Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 13, 1873

Overview

The speaker spends the day confined and unwell, while R. still manages his orchestration and legal errands. There is warmth in the presence of Fidi and some private delight in preparing a poem and noticing hidden meanings everywhere. Yet the entry remains shadowed by Daniella’s illness and by the persistent pressure of R.’s declining condition.

Content

Tuesday, May 13:

Day in bed! R. went to the law courts regarding a theatre director in Halle, but managed to complete his “quota” of orchestration. Much joy in Fidi, “the peaches and cream man,” as R. calls him. But Daniella is still very unwell; she stays with me.

Rehearsing the poem — secrets wherever you look! If only R. were in better health! But he does not look well; the constant worry undermines all freedom, strength of the 100,000 already in hand.

In the evening, looked through catalogues.