Tuesday, 4 September 1860
Cedars.
Fine now always. ― Cold & cough bad.
Drew at Damascus & the Cedars. ― At 1 C.F. came. ―
Story of 2 Omnibus Drivers discussing offers to the daughter of one. “Why not have Bill… he is well off ― &c. &c. &c.?” ――― “Because you see I likes eddication, & Bill, tho’ a good fellow, is such an illiterate b――. ― Would you believe it, I saw one of his love letters to my daughter, & from beginning to end, wherever it was used, ― the word c―― was spelt with a k!! ――”
Worked at the Cedars till 5, dined at home. Walked to P.W. J.G. there. W. progresses, but slowly. (cold & cough bad ― mine.)
[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]
Are these diary notes worth the trouble?
Here’s a Lear with a leer we won’t find in his published books or letters. The hidden part of the iceberg beneath his proper tight collar? He’s condescending. The overheard words could have been spoken by one of the mute figures he sends up in his limericks.