The Morning was very warm and clear, so that the riding was pleasant enough after the shower. I went to town as usual and was busy for an hour in performing my Commissions for various Members of the Family. Returned to the Office and passed some time in reading the Discourse of Agrippa to Augustus translated from Dion Cassius, and a part of that of Maecenas.1 The idea is that they gave the Emperor advice of an opposite character. One that he ought to resign, another that he ought not. They neither of them seem to me to touch the point in dispute—The particular character of the Roman People at the moment.

Returned to dinner, and after it, I read the sixth and seventh Philippics of Cicero, continuing his advice as to the course to be pursued with Anthony. They are all noble Monuments of his Patriotism, in the last hours of his life. He was one who battled with the times, and if he had not the Sternness of ancient Roman virtue, it was because the age did not admit of it. Cato was not so useful a Citizen, though of a more unbending disposition. Rome was degenerate.

Evening very warm and without air. The Mosquitoes were very troublesome. I read Dummer’s Defence of the New England Charters2 and the Spectator.