Wednesday, August 26:
R. is very worn out, but he decides to look again at the maquettes, and that takes us up to nearly 4 o’clock. Alone in the evening, started Edward III; the beginning is very Shakespearean.
At lunch R. now talks a lot about Fallmerayer’s book on Morea, the appearance of the Frankish knights in Greece; he finds the establishment of the empire by Villehardouin unusually absorbing, its character very different from that of Byzantium. It makes him laugh a lot to see that Villehardouin is not mentioned in the Conversations-Lexikon.
Letter from Richter, asking very touchingly that we not lose confidence in him! Herr Sadler also writes, saying that his wife (Frau Grün) would be inclined to take over the part of Sieglinde! Marie Donhoff sends two signed certificates of patronage. Be upset! Germany alone in its recognition of Spain; Russia resolutely refuses. God forbid a conflict!
R. writes letters about the major concern; I give the children lessons. In the afternoon a coffee party at Frau Raila’s house! But the evening belongs to us, and it begins with sad deliberations: shall I invite Hans to pay a visit to his children? We then read the 2nd act of Edward III and, overcome by its greatness and beauty, forget all our pain in delight. Blessed be all great men who take us up on their wings! The voice of woe does not follow the mighty flight; as they themselves forgot, so we, too, forget with them. Who could thank them enough?
Splendid moonlight. I step out on the tower balcony and pray. Will I be heard?... Great delight in Fidi’s appearance. At lunch R. talks about Fallmerayer’s book.