I remained at home today, and having paid my usual visits to the house and to the road and exercised myself not a little upon the latter, I nevertheless had time to read about eighty lines of Homer and to review the three hundred and fifty lines of the whole book. I have never before had any very adequate idea of the power and beauty of this great poet. A mixture of simplicity with vigor and elegance which is hardly to be found in any other part of literature. Afternoon, a little of Lessing and some of Humboldt. But I find the want of something to follow up. Evening, the family with the children at loto lotto and afterwards conversation.