Monday, February 4:
R. says that when he is not composing he does not feel well, then thinks his life is too good! In the evening we go through What Is German?, to be rewritten perhaps for the second issue of the periodical. R. feels he can only tell the truth without reserve, and I agree with him that the proper thing for us is either truthfulness or silence. I should prefer to remain silent, R. too, but the engagement of Herr v. W. and the periodical in consequence of that oblige us to speak, so then, in God's name, the truth!
"It is this stupid theater I have hung around my neck which makes all this necessary," R. says; "otherwise I could be enjoying the quietest and most pleasant of lives."