Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of August 31, 1869

Overview

On the morning of Richard's departure, Cosima still gives Loulou a piano lesson, which he teasingly treats as proof that youthful love is being displaced. Hallwachs's hopeless report and the possibility of a break with the King weigh on them until the King's telegram postpones the performance to Sunday. Cosima sees Richard off with melancholy, writes Claire, reads Goethe, and writes to Richard.

Content

Tuesday, August 31:

R. teases me because, even though this is the morning of his departure, I still give Loulou a piano lesson: “In youth love goes under!”

In the morning visit from his sister Frau Avenarius; at midday letter from the stage director Hallwachs, giving a hopeless account of it all. We consider the possibility of a break with the King if he insists on the performance on Thursday.

At 4 o’clock telegram from the King: he expects the performance on Sunday. Seeing R. off, great melancholy, but pleased that the King had listened to him. Journey home alone; R. has gone. I write to Claire, then Wanderjahre, finally wrote to R.