Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-04-13
HOW WAGNER GOT A WIFE.
An Episode OF the Grrat Composcr,s -
Lite 1iithertos Unpublished.
From The Musical Couricr.l

Herr Won Bulow, the eminent artist,
married Cosima, one of Able Liszt's
charming daughters. The union was os-
tenslby harmonious, and blessed with a
5cvy OF Hcjnc m0dchcu.
Won Bulow, when Wagner's name was
beginning to make n stlI in the world. de-
sirlnS to consult the great apostle upon
some musical works, i'll which he himself
was mrch interested wished to invite him
TO his home as II guest for few weeks,
that they might enjoy uninterrupted COM
munion.
Cosima objected. "Wngner is so dom
ineering and sclf-willed," she argued.
1--WE can never get along peaceably with
him, and TO have him for SO long a time
III the same house would simply be I'M
bearable.' The Invitation was therefore
deferred from time TO time, but like all
husbands fond Of carrying ont their de-
sires and purposes, and like all wives who
become wcaricd out with much importu-
nifty. Cosima at length consented. Fatal
acqulcsccnce Wagner came, saw and
conquered The "demonic influence.
the indomitable sclf-will, the characteris-
tic persisteucy, or what not, was not long
IN causing COsima to transfer her affec-
tions irrevocably from the lesser TO the
greater and, whatever may be said of
the cupidity Of the latter, it is certain he
reciprocated the passion. Wagners love
was one nf rare constancy and icrvor, and
he was willing to bear the severest bur-
den, not only of Cosima, but to under
take the responsibility Of all her children
with her.
Poor, unfortunate Won Bulow was help
Al
List, seeing the condition of affairs. gave
him little comfort, and is said to have
counscled the father and husband to bear
his fate philosoplically and surrender all
to the enemy.
This he did, wonderful to relate, and n
separation was brought abont. After
ward, Won Bulow obligingly procured a
divorce, and Wagner and CUsimu were
married. Won Bulow, in spite of this ap-
parent hirocl'y, continuing to regard and
admire Wagner from an artistic point of
view
Recently he ventured to find his affinity
III the great lottery Of life, and marriel
again, only to be assigned to private
asylum after Il months experience, thus
Deih3 punished for hi6 unexampled rash
ness and presumption.
w ''iNAHll'Nn llltH'Ilt uil array Ol luctS
SO interesting us this marriage of Richard
Wagner. 1t proved to be a fortunate,
happy one, all the dire hcad.shakines
and evil predictions for the future that
followed to the contrary, and was cement
ed with the rarest mutual devotion to the
very end Of the muestro's life, when he
apparently fell asleep in the arms Of his
beloved Cosima at the ripe age of 10. He
was still IN the prime of his rare mental
powers, and was lovingly soothed and at
tended by the presence of his darling
Siegired, an only son, who, it is hoped.
has inherited the rich talents that should
be bequeathed by such parents.
Coslma, doubtless, followed too literal
ly the footsteps of her distinguished pa
rents the Able List and the Countess
D'Augault, for they were never legally
married. List, however with commend
able irankncss, ii not audacity, acknowl-
edges two bright, beautiful women as his
daughters, besides son and world of
admirers, OF all classes and conditions.
make pilgrimaSes to his shrine and are
proud to lay their offerings upon his mu-
slcal altar, Just the same.