Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of November 9, 1881

Overview

A battle with mosquitoes was followed by the consequences of Richard's own dietary excesses, leaving him miserable for most of the day and casting a shadow over Palermo's beauty. Still, he and Cosima found genuine delight in the Cappella Palatina, whose splendor temporarily overcame the weather and his discomfort. The mood darkened again with news from the Pizzo trial, worry over Siegfried's mountain climb, and an evening conversation with Rubinstein that proved more depressing than restorative.

Content

Wednesday, November 9:

Battle with mosquitoes for R. I suggest changing beds, and that enables him to get some sleep; but in the morning and all day long he is in a wretched state because of great errors of diet yesterday (beer, tea, grog, champagne, one after another). It is stormy in the morning, but at noon the sun comes out. R. relates to me some statements by Lassalle about the press, which are very significant.

We go for a drive, R. and I, and visit the Cappella Palatina, which makes a splendid impression on us. Details of the trial in Pizzo cast a gloomy shadow over the evening; and I have feelings of anxiety when I hear that Siegfried has been climbing Monte Pellegrino with Herr Türk. In the evening chat with friend Rubinstein, somewhat depressing, and reminiscences of Robert le Diable do nothing to enliven it.