Sunday, June 11:
“Cosima, I shall still be able to compose,” R. calls to me in the morning. He then goes to the piano and plays something which will, I believe, introduce the scene by moonlight between Alberich and Hagen. Today is again fine; yesterday R. had the house heated again.
The proof corrections of the biography, which are piling up, are causing him vexation; but nevertheless there is a cheerful family lunch. Then a walk into town, during which we discuss Semper’s polychromy, since I am at present reading his pamphlet on the subject. Herr von Schack has sent me some of his books, to my great delight; in connection with them R. says jokingly, “I demand so-and-so-many yards of satin, and he sends me security.” I had asked Herr von Schack to participate in our venture.
In the evening, the Battle of Kunersdorf, with an involvement as if it had been fought only yesterday. R. says: “The law of gravity rules the world, the appearance of a genius can do nothing to alter that; all he can do is try to place his pendulum in such a way that its working is also governed by the law of gravity. That is what Frederick the Great was obliged to do with his Prussian state, and that, if I may mention myself, is what I must do. My works will do nothing to change theatrical habits, accustomed routines; I must see that I get my own theater built.”