Edward Lear's Diaries

Rayther hotter ― but fine all day.

Riz at 5.

O criky bore! state of packing 16 cases of pictures in a big case ― till 9 ― with the ‘Zincaro’¹ of 1847, George, & others. ―― Called at Taylor’s ― & returned at 9.30.

Breakfast. ― The big package not “fixed” till 12 & Taylor’s men, not finding it ready, “abandoned” it. Post, brought, 2 papers, ― & a letter (a kind & nice note,) from Majr. Reynolds ― buying my 35£ Corfu. Packed & arranged drawings, & by 3 or 4 ― made up a 2^nd case, & again went to Taylor’s. Where I saw Sir C. Sargent, going to Athens in the ‘Queen’, ― & read the last horrid battle news of America. ―――― ― ― ―

Returned by 5 or 6 ― & then [started] the packing & zincking of the 2^nd case. ―

After which, at nearly 7, roamed road & so to the St. George ― where I dined; not at all ill. ―

Came home, & finding G. out, lighted my 2 Lamps: whereby he of course instantly came in. It is an observable fact, how that man everlastingly works & never complains. ―

[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]

1. “Zingaro,” gypsy. [↩]