Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 21, 1871

Overview

A sleepless night gives way to a beautiful autumn day in the garden with Fidi and butterflies, colored by Cosima's melancholy fatigue. Nietzsche seeks Wagner's recommendation to Fritzsch, and Wagner works long despite exhaustion. Loulou's dream of her dying father naming Wagner as future father deeply touches Cosima, while evening reflections on Voltaire distinguish fascination with personality from the greatness contained in works.

Content

Saturday, October 21:

Splendid, bright weather, scent of violets, golden tints; a long time with Fidi in the garden, watched beautiful butterflies, melancholy feelings. I am also very tired, since I did not sleep a wink all night.

Letter from Prof. Nietzsche; he wants his book to be published by Fritzsch. R. works long, but is very worn out. With the children I fetch Lulu from her piano lesson; she tells me of a dream she has had: she saw her father dying, he asked for my letters and hers to be placed in his grave, and died with the words “dear Cosima,” after telling her, “Uncle Richard will now be your father.” I was very touched.

In the evening Carlyle, after R. had warmly recommended Prof. Nietzsche’s manuscript to Fritzsch. Lulu is not well. Regarding Voltaire, R. says: “One hardly looks at his writings any more; it is above all his personality which fascinates. Whereas with really great geniuses one seeks everything in their works.” Letter from old Herr Weitzmann in Berlin.