The title-deeds to the land have at last been conferred, and now most of
the peasants in Winkelsteg are their own masters. They are to be
heartily congratulated. But their eyesight seems to have become very
dim, for none of them recognise me when I pass them on the road.
This summer I was once more on the mountain. I thought I could almost
catch a glimpse of the sea towards the south. But it was only mist.
By this excursion, either from the dazzling light in the distance or the
extreme change from heat to cold, I have again brought on the serious
trouble with my eyes, which has lasted for many weeks and hindered me in
my work.
I think the dumb Reiter-Peter should be taught a little music. He must
have some way of expressing his feelings. It is hard to realise the
suffering caused by keeping everything to one's self.
Peter is clever; he already plays on the zither and the violin. Later I
must teach him the organ. The Winkelstegers will need music for their
mass in the future as well as now. I shall not always be here.
Lazarus, or, as they now call him, the Winkel landlord, is kind to me
and to everyone; all Winkelsteg have a friend in him. But his old
trouble recurs now and then. If, for example, something excites him, he
has a hard struggle to control himself. I have suggested that he should
try picking up the beads from the rosary again; but perhaps that would
no longer avail; then there is great danger that he will fall to
drinking. He would be ruined if he had not such a good wife, and
Juliana knows how to manage him; for her sake he will endure the keenest
thirst.
The brandy-distiller Schorschl--Hannes is no longer living--occasionally
breaks my windows. He considers me his greatest enemy, because I warn
the children against brandy.
I mend the windows by pasting paper over them. But as long as I live I
shall teach the young people to shun this evil.
1855.
Our priest has been changed for a very young one. The latter says that
the curacy has been sadly neglected, but he will now endeavour to
improve matters. He has ordered prayers, penances, and pilgrimages.
His sermons are as cutting as lye; and there are so many sore hearts.
Since the new priest arrived I am quite superfluous in the school. He
fills the hours with teaching religion.
The children are capable of more than they thought--they know the whole
catechism by heart.
The emperor and the pope are said to have issued a special edict for the
salvation of souls, and in Winkelsteg the devil has never been so much
talked about as at present.