Monday, April 17:
R. had a restless night-we believe as a result of his second glass of grog! He began to read an article by Hans in the Musikzeitung, then set it aside, disliking its witty tone; however, when he takes leave of me, he picks the paper up again, saying, "Now that we have laughed over it together, I can continue reading it." Yesterday R. took the news of L. Lehmann's desertion very calmly, but something from Batz has annoyed him. I go out in search of palazzos, but without success today. On my return I find a letter to Lusch from Hans, from which I see that my mood of resignation has been rewarded, for he writes in a very proper manner, to Gravina as well. R. went out, but returned exhausted, and a ride in a gondola, which he takes with us, cheers him up, without, however, removing his feelings of discomfort. He is also vexed that the piano score of Parsifal has still not been published. In the evening I write at his request to Herr Neumann, saying he will not be coming to London, and to a Herr Schulz-Curtius, who has inquired whether R. would accept an honorary doctorate from Oxford, saying that he considers the time for his accepting such honors is now past. His Gondolier's Song of '63, which I have now got hold of, amuses him. The children are with Princess Hatzfeldt; we spend the evening chatting quietly in between the letters, which I am writing on his behalf, since he now feels very disinclined to write!