Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of February 25, 1881

Overview

Richard's health remains poor and the news from Berlin is discouraging — Neumann refuses to abandon the production — while a sensitive episode involving Joukowsky's relationship with Pepino draws Cosima into an argument she later regrets. Their walk through falling snow offers some respite, shifting conversation to Bismarck's parliamentary declarations, which Richard finds hollow and arrogant. By evening, Richard's fingers continue to torment him, and he reflects with weary wisdom that all human relationships are ultimately a matter of what one brings to them — that they are, at heart, illusion.

Content

Friday, February 25:

R. did not have a good night, and he is also feeling unwell at lunch. A telegram from Herr Neumann says that Berlin cannot be abandoned. After lunch Jouk.’s relationship with Pepino is discussed in much detail, brought up by a sad amorous incident. I allow myself to be provoked into describing it as silly, and I regret that.

We talk about it with R. as we go for a walk together amid snowflakes to the Birk, and for R.’s sake I almost prefer this subject to the anti-Jewish agitation, Berlin, etc. From the Fagblatt R. reads to me the debates in which Prince Bismarck declares that all he cares about is the greatness and unity of the German nation; in other respects he will rule with all parties. It sounds a little arrogant and somewhat hollow. Whist in the evening. R. is irritated and exasperated by his fingers.

About the relationship with P., R. said: “It is something for which I have understanding, but no inclination. In any case, with all relationships what matters most is what we ourselves put into them. It is all illusion.” Today R. sent for a map of Germany, to show me das eichelne Taus, with which he compares Marke on account of his tongue. Late in the evening a letter from Herr Neumann: he is not relinquishing Berlin.