Morning very mild and pleasant. It would seem as if this month and the last had changed their places. I went to the Office and after my usual regular occupations, spent some time in reading the fourth volume of Gibbon’s History which contains the Romance of Julian. I call it a Romance because the Author evidently writes with great relish. He sets before us the fair side of the Picture very strongly. But 224this is perverting history. Spent half an hour in conversation with Mr. Peabody and an hour in walking.

Returned home and passed the Afternoon in reading part of the books 2 and 3 to Herennius. They continue the abstract. As a book to consult for the purpose of filling up a skeleton of a subject I should think it might be useful. But it is dry as a work to read.

Evening. Read a part of the Canterbury Tales to my Wife but we were interrupted by a visit from Judge Hall who came and passed an hour in conversation. He looks old and haggard. He says he is taken up very much by the business of his Office. Perhaps this is a very fortunate thing for him. His situation is now so lonely. After he went, I continued the sketch of Fuseli’s life and read some critical Articles inserted at length. But I do not think the Account makes a favourable impression. Read the twenty second book of the Iliad and the usual numbers of the Guardian.