Monday, June 20:
R. had a good night, we have breakfast in the garden, and I read to R. a nice letter from Count Gobineau, after which R., reflecting on him, says, 'He is my only contemporary.' At lunch we are still talking about the impression the third act of Tristan made on us. I know it is true.
A letter from Herr Neumann indicates that the conflict is as good as over. R. replies to him, and he will probably visit us in mid-July. Herr Brandt is here, and we spend an hour with him in the treetops. Unfortunately R. again feels a chest spasm, and I cannot think of the preparations for next year without misgivings. In connection with these preparations he himself recently quoted Brünnhilde's words, 'Heavy weigh my weapons.' At lunch he talked about the Bahais and observed that this would be the future religion of Asia. In the evening our conversation deals with the relationship of the artist to the public, appearances on stage, speeches, etc. R. felt that the element of enthusiasm brought about these obligations.