Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of August 24, 1871

Overview

Cosima reflects that Wagner's public tenderness toward her in the presence of other women inspires humility rather than vanity. The Schleinitzes spend a long and pleasant day with the household, followed by a moonlit walk across the lake with Wagner. Their news of the Bavarian King's unhealthy appearance adds a disturbing political undertone to an otherwise beautiful evening.

Content

Thursday, August 24:

When other women come to see us, R. always says such nice and loving things to me that I could become really proud and arrogant, if such superabundant kindness did not instead induce in me feelings of profound humility.

I write to dear Alwine Frommann. From noon until seven in the evening, Herr and Frau von Schleinitz; a very pleasant visit. R. and I then go for a walk in glorious moonlight to the opposite side of the lake.

The Schleinitzes tell us that the King of Bavaria was looking very run down; the Emperor had praised his discernment, but the people in the entourage thought he looked like a cretin!