Day cloudy but warmer. I went to the Office and from thence out of town to Quincy with my new horse whom I found as much as I could manage. I am not at all given to speculations in horseflesh, but should think I had in this case by accident made one.

Found my work rather stationary at Quincy. The framers having taken in dudgeon the wind and cloudy weather, left in a body the other day for town and have not returned. This is a provoking delay for in point of fact the weather has been remarkably favourable. The mason and Deacon Spear were however there and making visible progress, as well as Kirk who after all has thus far approved himself the steadiest of them all. I spent some time in giving directions and overseeing and then returned to town.

Read Homer. Afternoon Plutarch, finishing the Essay upon the management of public affairs, which has taken me a great while and is not done thoroughly yet. I must review it. Greek ought to be pursued 232by me steadily for one month all the time and then I should be able to pursue my present plan more effectually. Agathon which I read almost as easily as English. Evening, at home. Moore’s Life of Byron and afterwards, Wraxall.