Tuesday, June 10:
Although R. lacked many things-there were not enough pillows, no wide bed-he slept tolerably well, got up only once to fix his night light in the most ingenious way, whereupon I called him Polymetis, which much amused him. Cheerful awakening; French rhymes to start with: Quelle bêtise, j’ai changé de chemise [“How stupid, I have changed my shirt”], then Quel plaisir d’être en voyage [“What a pleasure to be on a journey”], with endless rhymes on “-age” and, to finish at last, R. Wagner ist gar schön, der Liebling der Camöne [“R. Wagner is a fine man, the favorite of the Camenae”].
We leave at half past eight, delighting in the charming countryside, the lush meadows; the weather is kind to us, and a happy moment, we meet our cripple again outside Streitberg; he greets us, and shortly afterward we see a peasant giving him a lift in his cart; so R.’s repeated good wish has come true. In Bayreuth at 3:30, joyful return-here is our home, R. says as we bid each other welcome! Renewed pleasure in everything here; after a meal at 4 o’clock, each to his own room, great fatigue. In the evening friends Rub. and Wolz., R. a bit irritable, but he soon regains his spirits, gets Herr Rub. to play the wonderful Adagio from Haydn’s D Major Quartet.
Wednesday, June 11:
R. slept deeply and well. We talk over our little adventures, in particular the cripple, symbol of the people’s destitution, while at the same time there are national celebrations, exactly as in the time of the great revolution, today the Emperor’s golden wedding anniversary! Bayreuth decked out in flags, and yet another starving basketmaker coming to our door! After having in this case, too, dispensed what we can, we enjoy the glorious weather; R. still reading Carlyle, for whom his admiration continues to grow.
In the evening conversation with friend Rub., Isolde’s apotheosis, remarks on tempo, that virtually unfathomable subject. Pleasure that we have been so successful with the education of the children, how numerous our blessings! Just to be alone together-we want nothing more. Nice letter from the King.