Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of November 12, 1873

Overview

The weather was cold but clear, and she walked with the children and lunched with Malwida while R. worked. News came that the King would not receive R., though the matter of the guarantee remained unresolved. In the evening, Luther’s letter to the Elector and his defense of custom and faith led to reflections on tradition, steadfastness, and the vitality of folk culture.

Content

Wednesday, November 12:

Very fine weather, though cold. Walk with the children. Lunch with Malwida. R. works. The King sends word that he cannot receive R., but says nothing about the guarantee!

In the evening, Luther: splendid letter to the Elector as he leaves the Wartburg. The power of faith! R. also finds splendid what Luther writes to Karlstadt (?) about the preservation of traditional customs: “Do not cast out for other things that with which you have grown up and gained strength, now that you, already strengthened, no longer need it.” R. observes that Prof. Overbeck could have linked his pamphlet to that.