Diary Entry of July 27, 1870
Wagner continues work on Beethoven while Cosima tends to the children and waits through a day without war news. A letter from Hallwachs announces that her divorce became final on July 18. Instead of simple joy, the news overwhelms her with tears, revealing how even long-desired freedom arrives burdened by pain.
Wednesday, July 27:
R. still at his Beethoven, I with the children. No war news. Drive in the afternoon with R. to our friends’; on our return Richter hands over a letter; it is from Hallwachs and reports that on July 18 the divorce was made final. There is no happiness on this earth, my children, for at this news I only had tears.