Morning foggy with easterly wind. I began reading Virgil’s Aeneis having finished the Georgics. A peculiarity of the ancient works is that one never tires of reading them. The same beauties stand out in bolder relief every day. I find the Poetry of the Georgics more exquisite than ever. The high polish, the ease and facility with which the versification is conducted, and the beauty of the thought are now and must remain unequalled monuments of ancient mental exertion.

At the Office, read an article upon Homer from the North American Review.1 There is a good deal in it. Parts of it remind me of Mr. E. Everett’s Lectures upon that subject, but it is more decided in the expression of opinion. I took a walk but did not feel the full glow of health. If that is going to desert me, then shall I suffer a real evil.

Afternoon reading over the Legislative Investigation, which to be sure puts an odd face upon affairs. This subject of Masonry is one of the most distressing that has arisen in our times, principally from the palpable truth it contains conflicting as it does with men’s habits and prejudices. I have taken my side. The result must be that my personal prospects are destroyed. But it was not possible for me after once I had examined to balance. Luckily my pecuniary circumstances are not liable to suffer extensively from this cause. Even they however are not out of danger.

Evening, writing on Hutchinson. Paid a Wedding visit of fifteen minutes to my friend Edmd. Quincy’s bride.2 He has passed the Rubicon. I hope the chances of life will turn to him favorably. There was much company. I did not stop.