Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of June 8, 1881

Overview

Cold, gray weather undermines Wagner's mood despite steady work, and he talks of wanting to block out the winter light from the windows entirely. The day is punctuated by warm recollections of the recently departed Count and the mysterious arrival of an anonymous letter, suggesting that dust has been stirred up again. In the evening, after Kohler vexes him with complaints from Berlin, Wagner dismisses the troublesome guests and laughs with childlike delight at his own audacity.

Content

Wednesday, June 8:

R. had a good night, and he works. But the cold gray weather puts him in a bad mood. He declares his intention of covering over the whole lower part of the windows during the winter. Still much about the Count, who in every particular has become so valuable an enrichment of our lives.

At coffee, an anonymous letter. Apparently a great deal of dust has once more been raised. R. goes for a short walk with Marke in the palace gardens.

In the evening, Herr Kohler vexes him with a description of his difficulties in Berlin. He sends for friend Wolzogen and Dr. Schemann. Then he dismisses all what he calls refractory elements, and we have to laugh heartily over his merry and sparkling, childlike expression as he regards the serpent among the leave-takers.