Our weather today was violently stormy notwithstanding the long continuation of the bad season. The rain set in at eleven o’clock and it continued all day. I had no expectation therefore of seeing my father’s man, Kirke, though it was the appointed day for the Trees. He came however, and I sent him accordingly. He must have had a terrific day of it. I went to the Office and was busy in my Accounts, after which I spent a considerable and uninterrupted period upon my German. I tried to translate some passages that came in my way and felt quite encouraged by my success. I think my former knowledge must assist me insensibly, for on looking attentively upon words, I can trace their meaning often very easily.

Returned home and although my Study was exceedingly uncomfortable from the quantity of smoke that was in it, I succeeded in making a great deal of progress in the third book de Oratore, which is a model for beautiful style, being a practical example of a sound theory. Part of the Evening, Corinne, the other part, writing my Catalogue which the short days delay still more. Afterwards, I was occupied in reading part of the tenth Book of Paradise Lost, besides finishing the review of the Ninth. And two Numbers of the Tatler.