Monday, April 16:
Departure! I take Isolde to Altenburg. With this genuine sorrow I now close this volume.
The gloomiest forebodings have settled in my heart, but I wrap them up with slumber like night birds during the day; like the dreadful goddesses in the temple of the god of light, they hide themselves away and sleep, but they are still there. Farewell, my companion of nearly three years! Begun on my return home after a separation, concluded with my journey toward a parting!
I beseech you all, ye eternal, invisible guardian spirits, bless my child, bless the paths of him who suffers through the sin of my existence, let me suffer with equanimity, that I may never forget my mission. Bless this mission, take pity on all others, not on me!
End of eighth notebook of the Diaries.
Left at 1 o'clock with my little girl, a most painful moment as she said goodbye to her sisters and brother; she remained silent throughout the journey. Arrival at 7, supper, then wrote to R. Curious feelings.