Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of April 1, 1873

Overview

Richard is preoccupied by setbacks and postponements, while others around him indulge in opportunistic schemes and absurd offers. The practical world intrudes through banking, commissions, shelters for displaced assistants, and the logistics of family and house. A walk in the woods offers some relief, but illness and annoyance still dominate the tone. His refusal to be treated as infinitely available shows a growing impatience with presumption.

Content

Tuesday, April 1:

Fidi somewhat better, but he is not yet allowed up. R. corrects the proofs of his 8th volume, which is making only slow progress on account of the printers’ strikes.

After lunch went with the four girls for a walk in the woods, great pleasure, lovely air, blue sky, and the song of the blackbirds, which pierces this heart!

In the evening read Szra^toh's "Europäische Minen und Gegenminen" with much that when the Catholic mayor of a neighboring parish was accused of perjury, and eventually convicted, the Catholic priest read Masses for his acquittal!