Beautiful letter from the King; he has truly grasped the idea of Bayreuth! — This is the greatest triumph! A less gratifying letter from our friend Feustel, who reports a burden of debt amounting to some 120,000 marks. Discussion with R., plans, projects, hardship ahead—the whole train of activity. —
I go alone to the Academy, as R. fears fatigue. An indescribable impression, as though I had never before seen colours; the “Assumption”, as though I were hearing a symphony by Beethoven for the first time. The Madonna by Giovanni Bellini in the same room delights me, as do the rooms themselves, so unexpectedly beautiful and sumptuous. Like something out of a fairy-tale, or, better still, like the Cave of Montesinos,[1] from outside which nothing can be perceived, and within, this dazzling of the spirit! In the afternoon, a ride through the little canals. In the evening, R. unfortunately still unwell, though we nevertheless went to San Marco.
[1] Cave in “Don Quixote”, Part II, Chap. 22; however, the word “Montesinos” is barely legible as such—reading more like “Montruios,” which, however, makes no sense.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]