Thursday, August 31:
R. had a good night’s rest. Unfortunately he receives another court summons in the Neumann-Bat2-Tm/^z« affair! For me there are still a few leave-takings. At lunch we have Heckel, Schön, the Glasenapps; R. speaks of the amazing achievements of the artists. “True,” he says, “what impels them is the anxiety to please; but apply this anxiety to noble purposes, and you will still find them ready to serve it with the same eagerness.” In the afternoon a discussion with friend Feustel about our business affairs. Then the Bruckner brothers come, and the necessary alterations for next year are discussed.
At supper R. remembers what he calls his sins, that is to say, his cruel treatment of animals in his youth, also of another boy. With Herr Schön he discusses the question of the Society, which he wishes to see simplified as much as possible, and particularly to see the word “Patrons” dropped. As yesterday, we have our friends gathered around us; R. plays Tristan, the Prelude and conclusion, also the introduction to the 3rd act. Then he takes a very tender leave of the two Glasenapps. Afterward he talks to me about Parsifal and Tristan; in the introduction to the 3rd act of Tristan there is the melancholy of longing, it is “like a fish out of water”; but in the introduction to the 3rd act of Parsifal the depression is complete, no longing at all.