To-morrow Shaw comes. I think to finish Laurence, and
write to Langton.
Poor Laurence has almost lost the sense of hearing; and I have lost the conversation of a learned, intelligent, and communicative companion, and a friend whom long familiarity has much endeared. Laurence is one of the best men whom I have known.
Nostrum omnium miserere Deus.
20. Shaw came; I finished reading Laurence. I dined
liberally. Wrote a long letter to Langton, and designed
to read, but was hindered by Strahan. The ministry
is dissolved. I prayed with Francis, and gave thanks.
To-morrow—To Mrs. Thrale—To write to Hector—To Dr. Taylor.
21. I went to Mrs. Thrale. Mr. Cox and Paradise met me at the door, and went with me in the coach. Paradise's Loss. In the evening wrote to Hector. At night there were eleven visitants. Conversation with Mr. Cox. When I waked I saw the penthouses covered with snow.
22. I spent the time idly. Mens turbata. In the afternoon it snowed. At night I wrote to Taylor about the pot, and to Hamilton about the Fœdera.
23. I came home, and found that Desmoulins had, while I was away, been in bed. Letters from Langton and Boswell. I promised L six guineas.
24. Sunday. I rose not early. Visitors, Allen, Davis, Windham, Dr. Horsley. Dinner at Strahan's. Came home and chatted with Williams, and read Romans ix. in Greek.
To-morrow begin again to read the Bible; put rooms in order; copy L's letter. At night I read 11 p. and something more, of the Bible, in fifty-five minutes.
26. Tu. I copied L's letter. Then wrote to Mrs. Thrale. Cox visited me. I sent home Dr. Laurence's papers, with notes. I gave D a guinea, and found her a gown.
