Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 31, 1871

Overview

Cosima records irritation at a school performance shaped by pious Prussian anecdote, then turns quickly to concern over Wagner's worsening health. The household nevertheless hosts Gersdorff, Nietzsche, and Brockhaus, whose company is agreeable and sociable. Tribschen becomes a setting for cheerful conversation despite the anxiety surrounding Wagner's condition.

Content

Monday, July 31:

Yesterday Countess Bassenheim took Loulou to a performance at the school, during which the pupils actually did a recitation about Ziethen and Frederick the Great: how the latter summoned Ziethen to his table on Good Friday, but Ziethen went to Communion instead, and Frederick could do nothing about it. A pretty Jesuitical story.

R. very unwell, causing me concern. At table Herr von Gersdorff, Prof. Nietzsche, Prof. Brockhaus, all equally pleasant. We spent our time in Tribschen, talking happily.