Saturday, September 23:
Fine letter from the King; he has truly grasped the idea of Bayreuth - this our greatest triumph! Less pleasing letter from friend Feustel, who reports debts amounting to about 120,000 marks. Discussion with R., plans, projects, much effort in store, a whole baggage train of activities.
Went by myself to the Academy of Fine Arts, since R. feared it would tire him. Indescribable impression, as if I had never seen colors before; the Ascension, as if I were hearing a Beethoven symphony for the first time. I am enraptured by the Madonna of Giovanni Bellini in the same gallery, and the galleries themselves so unexpectedly beautiful and lavish. Like in a fairy tale or, better still, in the cave of Montesinos: nothing from the outside, but inside, this dazzling of the spirit!
In the afternoon a ride along the narrow canals. In the evening R. is unfortunately still unwell, but he was on the S. Marco.