Friday, December 28:
R. works on the “Holy Grail March”; he has cut out the crystal bells. He looked again at my father’s Die von Strassburg to make sure he has not committed plagiarism.
Visit to Pasha, whom R. calls a hero. We laugh over the pitiful MacMahon, a French Protestant government! England is in difficulties, and Disraeli’s resignation is probable.
In the afternoon R. writes to Eckert about Walküre and quotes from the Fliegende Blätter: to a person who demands half a pint one replies, “Wait till you are thirsty enough for a whole one.” Gifts from the King, a china service, candlesticks, etc.
In the evening R. discusses with Dr. Schemann a league of small towns for the benefit of Bayreuth.