R. very much indisposed, has to remain in bed until noon. Herr Niemann goes hunting. In the afternoon Herr Voltz, whom R. has to take severely to task, for he has had the impertinence to demand a Prussian decoration for a possible consent to do Tristan und Isolde Also they (Batz and Voltz) have made certain deductions to which they are not entitled. After him.
Herr Schmeitzner[i], the publisher of the future, to whom R,. suggests the purchase of Fritzsch’s business (he being in great difficulties and having shown himself to be a very poor businessman).
Then Herr Niemann, and in the evening Baron Hofmann[ii] from Vienna, a man of importance who tells us many things about the people there and declares that this winter it should be possible to do something for Bayreuth. Went to bed early. Hans has answered Lusch, very sad and indisposed! . . .
[i] Due to constant difficulties with his agents Batz and Volz and his publisher Fritzsch, Richard wanted a reputable publisher who would represent his interests.
[ii] Leopold Friedrich Freiherr von Hofmann (1822 – 1885), from 1876 k.u.k. Reich Minister of Finance, from 1880 general director of the Vienna Court Theater.