Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of March 30, 1873

Overview

The day is quieter and more inward, with church attendance, family time, and a slow walk in the countryside. Even so, ordinary pleasures are interrupted by concern for the child's sudden physical distress, which makes the evening feel heavy. The dreamlike openness of the weather and the landscape stands in contrast to the anxiety of the household. What remains is a fragile domestic peace sustained by vigilance rather than ease.

Content

Sunday, March 30:

God, R. had a good night. He even dreamed of Bismarck, who, having just concluded a war, conversed amicably with him. I dreamed of the Emperor and Empress!

Went to church with the two big girls; the sermon remains a misery! Family lunch and a long walk with R., across the meadow to the theater, where progress is really very slow. We listen to a lark hovering in the sky; returning home, I am alarmed by Fidi’s sudden shivering and twitching. The doctor regards it as of no significance, and at midnight I succeed in calming him down by holding his hands. Gloomy evening on account of the child’s indisposition.