Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 5, 1869

Overview

A dream of Jews, begging with Hans, and stones precedes a letter from Claire that brings Cosima and Richard to the question of divorce. Cosima proposes writing Hans to ask whether he truly wants her to return with the children or whether, for his own sake, he should consent to a divorce. Richard remains silent on the moral decision but writes about Hans's position, while the rest of the day passes quietly with children, boating, Countess Bassenheim, Richter, and a late letter to Claire.

Content

Monday, July 5:

Dream that I strayed with R. into a gathering of Jews and that I then went out begging with Hans, and stones were thrown at me. R. comes up. I show him the nice letter I received from Claire this morning; that brings us to the question of a divorce.

I tell R. that I intend to write to Hans, asking if he wishes me to go to him, to give up everything here, to take just the four children with me, whether he really has the strength to be happy in view of all the stir our relationship has caused; if not, he should consent to a divorce, if only for his own sake.

R. says that in this matter he must remain silent. He leaves me and writes to Düffl[ipp] about Hans's position. An atmosphere of stillness. After lunch, out in a boat with the children. Visited Countess Bassenheim, found her at home. In the evening with Richter. Wrote at a late hour to Claire.