Paradise weather all day. Sent letters to Ellen N. & C.F.

Paradise without, for I cannot move.

Began to work on Corfu D ― the little one: ― but worked ill. Fear of noise ― (which presently came in 4 Artillery men carrying up wood ―) & disgust at repetition of subject made me work badly ― & besides, I was unwell.

X1.

At 2. Lunched. At 3 ― most weary & sad ― yet, with a persistence I had not in old times ― I shall try to work again. O! these 4 Ascension pictures!

Worked on till 5.

Internally, a very wretched day, but outwardly calm & purple=bright Paradise.

Dined at 7.

& penned out till 10. Lapsista drawings.

The Lord be thanked ― the Maudes are out ― so stillness rains above & below.

But it is hard prison=work: albeit there is much to be thankful for indeed.

(After writing this, read over journal of this day & other following days of 1861: & surely ought to be content!)

XX

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