Christmas disturbances. Good news for the undertaking from the outside world; the people in Vienna send 900 thalers, Frau Schott 300, a concert to take place under Richter’s direction also promises well. Much money will be needed, too, if R. is to announce his rehearsals for next summer.
Various people have sent us a report about Lohengrin in Strassburg, which we find very amusing. In the evening we read an article on Schopenhauer by Karl Hillebrand—very pitiful!
The Arnim trial, with Bismarck’s letters, upsets us very much; how will the Chancellor’s great perspicacity be interpreted by the great powers? —
Sorrow caused by the children. (Since they have dressed themselves up as ghosts, R. asks, “What will happen on this day 15 years from now?” Answer from Eva, prompted by others “You will die.”) The almost brutal thoughtlessness of children—though it is on this quality that childhood happiness depends—can wound very deeply. —
R. dreamed last night that I had no money. Hans had withheld mine from me, and R. summoned me to him in order to help me; first of all through mocking looks and remarks from his wife Minna, then by servants and children, and finally by some importunate person, he had been hindered from finding the money; on top of that, a mislaid key which then finally broke in two and an urgent wish to get the whole thing over with quickly! . . .