Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 10, 1873

Overview

R.'s nights remain miserable and his nerves strained, but he still receives Baron Thon and his wife and shows them the building site, hoping for practical help. The conversation turns to the German word for poetry-making, which R. prizes as especially fine, and he dismisses schemes as the mark of a poor man. He resolves to think only of his score, since money cannot be conjured from anxiety. The evening is occupied by discussion of the Bazaine trial and more correspondence from needy or self-important strangers, including a musician in Australia and Herr Beta.

Content

Friday, October 10:

R.’s nights continue to be wretched; his nerves are terribly strained. We return Baron Thon’s visit and take him and his wife to the building site. Will we get help from this quarter?

We talk about the German word dichten [“to create poetry”], and R. remarks that not even the Greeks had such a fine word; the Greek word for it means “to make.” Herr Beta writes to R., sending the dedication of his pamphlet; he wants to print a letter from R. as a preface. “Schemes are the mark of a poor man,” R. remarks.

R. vows to think only of his score; he cannot produce the money. Our evening is mainly spent in discussing the trial of Bazaine, in which we detect the same French characteristics which so appalled us during the war. A poor German musician in Australia asks for help and sends some verses, a composition, and a photograph, with details of his life. Herr Beta sends the dedication of his book, to Prince Bismarck, whose acceptance surprises us.