Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of February 12, 1878

Overview

A grief from outside the household falls heavily on the diarist, who greets sorrow almost as an old intimate companion and submits herself to it in prayer. The day remains outwardly calm, with fine weather, a brief walk for Richard despite his painful foot, and evening reading that cannot dispel her inner desolation.

Content

Tuesday, February 12:

The grief I was fearing has not passed me by; it has come upon me from outside. May God help me!... Oh, sorrow, my old companion, come back and dwell within me; we know each other well - how long wilt thou stay with me this time, most loyal and dependable of friends? Purify me, make me worthy of thee, I shall not flee from thee - but when wilt thou bring me thy brother?... Splendid weather. R. is able to go out a while, but not much, on account of his foot. W. Scott in the evening. The scenes in the castle of Tillietudlem rather too prolonged.