Mild and cloudy. I continued reading Wilhelm Meister which is far the most interesting thing I have read of Goethe’s. Office, occupied with Diary and began writing my Essay over again. My squeamishness is such, I doubt if I shall ever get any thing perfected. My time passes away and I do little or nothing. When I reflect upon the little fitness in me for any line of knowledge, how superficial my acquirements are owing to the extent of ground I go over, I entirely disbelieve in the probability of my ever making any reputation. But I can enjoy myself in the pursuit of knowledge and in the advantages with which a kind providence has blessed me.

Went to the House for a book and then a walk. Afternoon read Grimm and Mons. Guizot. The former is quite entertaining. He gives the current Literature at the breaking out of the Revolution and it shows clearly enough the excitement which was rising. Beaumarchais, Mesmer, Cagliostro, the quarrel of Gluck and Piccini, Mirabeau were all signs of the times and contributed to set in motion that mass of waves which so shortly after rolled over France. Evening with my Wife who was suffering from a severe cold. Lady Morgan’s last. 1 Wilhelm Meister.