Saturday, May 18:
Still unwell, I have to observe the lovely weather from my room. Late last night R. received the good Russian Sorokumovski, who, before starting on his voyage around the world, wishes to make a small contribution to our cause; a childish character. After placing R. above all the monarchs in the world, he then compares R. with Humboldt, kisses his hand repeatedly, talks about the performances in Leipzig, saying R. was expected there: “No, my friend, if I have been obliged to give up such things here, it is not for the purpose of attending other performances and having myself serenaded by the municipal brass band!”
When the good man visits me, he tells me he has deposited 10,000 marks with Feustel for the patrons’ fund! The theater director in Cologne still wants to begin with Walküre; R. refuses permission.
In the evening Dr. Eiser from Frankfurt, also coming from Leipzig; he tells us about the Society in Frankfurt and begs pardon for continuing to present such concerts, etc., but he knows no other way of getting people to participate. R. laughs and says, “Yes, I understand, you have to create animal warmth with the music.”
Speaking of the performances in Leipzig, Dr. E. says he asked himself whether the composer would be pleased that they were taking place, and he had answered himself in the affirmative. R. says that, having been left in the lurch as he was here, he must approve of the Ring being done as often as possible, but he has no wish to see it. Departure of our good friends. R. then reads to me from The Antichrist.