Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of March 9, 1871

Overview

Loulou's bad night confines Cosima to her bedside and makes the family meal subdued. Richard contrasts Cosima's meaningful love with the triviality of other relationships and says Frau Wesendonck's changed appearance has erased old memories. A walk and evening Gibbon provide a quieter close to a day dominated by illness and reassurance.

Content

Thursday, March 9:

Loulou has had a very bad night; she stays in bed and I sit beside her. Family lunch consequently rather dismal.

Nice letter from Frau Wille, though R. finds it too noncommittal. "I know why I love you, my treasure," he says. "All other relationships have proved so trivial." Regarding Frau Wesendonck, he says that her black hair has completely obliterated all memories.

Walk with R.; in the evening, Gibbon.