Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of November 22, 1869

Overview

The Socratic maxim that it is better to suffer injustice than commit it turns Cosima's thoughts sorrowfully to Hans and produces a dream of him as exile or invalid. Richard wants his essaying to make him a Socratic gadfly against contemptible treatment of art, while Loulou's illness alarms Cosima. A renewed request from the clergyman about divorce leads her to consider going so as not to delay matters, before she sets up the children's theater.

Content

Monday, November 22:

That "better to suffer injustice than to commit it" makes me think a lot of Hans, with great melancholy; I dream that I received a letter from him with the following inscription: "To the delectable, adored one, from the poor exile or invalid."

I am still worried about Lulu.

With regard to his essay, R. tells me he will write down everything he can remember. "I want, like Socrates, to be the gadfly which always spurs on. The manner in which all our art is treated is too contemptible."

Worked with the children in the study. Loulou unwell, however, which makes me very anxious.

In the afternoon a letter from the clergyman asking me to visit his office with regard to my divorce. I decide to go, in order not to cause any delay in this matter; in the evening setting up the theater for the children.