Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of February 25, 1874

Overview

Conversation centers on the friend’s treatise, whose brilliance and energy impress them, while Wagner keeps working and the household continues its routines. A visit from the dean adds warmth and originality to the day, though his remarks about the religious struggle give the visit a sharper political edge.

Content

Wednesday, February 25:

Our friend’s treatise forms the topic of our conversation; the fiery wit with which it is written is quite astonishing. R. works. In the afternoon we go to the house, and in the evening the dean visits us, delighting us with his warmth and his originality. He speaks of the awful turn the religious question has taken through the fact that Rome seems conciliatory; if peace is proclaimed, they will be the victors.