A visit from Professor Bernays[1] of Munich, the greatest living authority on Goethe; a very agreeable acquaintance. In the afternoon, somewhat startlingly [surprisingly][2], Dr Schönaich[3] arrives; we receive him into the house. When I am alone in the room, I feel drawn to the piano, and my mood easily flows into the tones. The rays of the sun greet me in their departure; I send thoughts into the distance, thoughts which the distance will not receive! Weeping, I greet R. on his return home. In the evening Prof. Bernays—many “spirited” conversations.
[1] Michael Bernays (1834–1897), literary historian, professor in Munich from 1873 to 1890; brother of the classical philologist Jakob Bernays (1824–1881) in Bonn. The daughter of his brother Berman will marry Siegmund Freud in 1886.
[2] Added later.
[3] Gustav Schönaich (1840–1906), PhD, journalist and writer, stepson of the physician Dr. Standhartner in Vienna.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]