CHAPTER XXI.

ZURICH, 1856.

A picture of Minna--Wagner an early riser--His acquaintance with Schopenhauer--Wagner a pessimist?--The first promptings of “Tristan and Isolde”--How did Richard Wagner compose?--The manner of Beethoven, Haydn, and Wagner compared--Wagner’s thumping--Admits he is not at his best when improvising--Schaffhausen--The lions--Wagner’s extravagance--Duke of Coburg’s offer--The Wesendoncks.....288