A strange & weary day ― yet borne with till midnight.

Extremely hot, & stormy at Hastings early. House very quiet & clean. Tried to go on with a sepia drawing ―but failed; ― also with one for a wood cut, ― but ditto. ― Walked a little, & read a little, & played a little, ― having hired a piano. At 4, walked to Hastings, to see for things: not yet arrived. Dined at 5 ― soles & mutton cheese & ale. Read Times paper. ―
At sunset, the bright yellow sands & calm bluey sea are Greek or Italian. I wish Giorgio were here often enough.

At 8 ― walked along the shore ― & posted notes to A. [Gleason], T. Baring, W. Sandbach, & F. Gibbs. ― Returned at 9½ ― & at 10 went to bed: ― a great storm began & lasted all night, so that I got no sleep till 11. ―

X6

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