Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of April 18, 1881

Overview

Wagner playfully greets Cosima with a mock-solemn note telling her to "prepare for death," setting a tone of intimate humor that runs through a day of convalescent ease, including a pleasant carriage drive through the countryside. He works on his score despite fatigue and reads the Gospel of Matthew, though he is troubled by what he sees as its heavy reliance on Old Testament references. The children's examination and confession move the household deeply, while the doctor remains uncertain whether Wagner will be well enough to attend the following day's ceremony.

Content

Monday, April 18:

R. did not sleep, but he lay still and was lovely enough to call out to me in my bath that I should look on my writing desk, where I found the enclosed note.

(Enclosed in the diary is a sheet of paper bearing, in Cosima’s handwriting, the words: “I shall be out today, my friend, and should I not come, then . . .” and in Wagner’s handwriting: “Prepare for death! You still have 2 hours! Don Gutierre di Wanfredo.”) He also works on his score. Count Gobineau’s book tires him, and he once again declares that one must beware of thick books. We go for a drive in lovely weather and delight in the pretty countryside. I then go with Loldchen and Evi to their examination and confession, and we return home much affected. R. has meanwhile been reading the Gospel of Saint Matthew and is put off by the many references in it to the Old Testament. A whist party. The doctor is not sure whether R. will be permitted to attend the ceremony tomorrow.