Snowfall; “winter learns in old age to be white,” says R. — He has a headache; I write letters to Prof. Lagarde, Mimi (she wishes to bring about a performance of “Tristan und Isolde” for the benefit of our theatre), etc. R. goes for a walk with the dogs—the only pleasure he has outdoors.
It is said in Meiningen that Hans [1] has purchased property there and is to marry a beautiful Russian woman; how gladly would I believe it, yet I lack all courage in this matter. I have much to struggle with, under an ever-growing melancholy.
[1] Hans von Bülow was court music director in Meiningen from 1880 to 1885 and married the actress Marie Schanzer (1857 to 1941) there.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]
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