Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 5, 1877

Overview

The household said farewell and set out at ten in a cheerful mood, with the children and their father in high spirits despite Fidi beginning to feel unwell. They stopped in Heidelberg because the hotel was appealing, and the day closed with a large public serenade in which R. led a choral piece from the balcony.

Content

Thursday, July 5:

Farewells of all kinds. I send Fidi to the Kurhaus to give a bunch of cornflowers to the Emperor. Fidi sees and also speaks to the very friendly old gentleman. Probably for the first and last time.

Departure at 10 o’clock, great merriness and high spirits from R. and the children, only Fidi with a slight sore throat — it gets worse, and when we arrive in Heidelberg, we decide to stay, since the Schlosshotel is very pleasant.

In the evening Herr Heckel, Dr. Zeroni, Herr Lang, a serenade by the choral society; 6,000 people present. (R. conducts “Gaudeamus igitur” from the balcony.)