Wallenstein which contains many passages of charming poetry and several dialogues of most admirable spirit. I think much of Schiller. Went to the Office where Mr. Walsh engrossed far more of my time than I wished. He talks sensibly enough but he does not know how to fix a limit to his visits. I succeeded in writing my Diary but nothing more. Walk, and Home to read Ovid.

The public is now certain there will be no collision, and they are 84going on with just as much confidence as if the indemnity had been actually paid by France. So it is with the world. Affected by every breath that stirs and running in crowds like sheep in a panic exactly according to the superficial view of things. The next Packet will probably put them into the other extreme.

Afternoon, I completed the remainder of the Papers in the two Chests. I have assorted them with the exception of the general Correspondence which remains in Alphabetical files, and the whole of course liable to alteration from the remainder of the Papers at Quincy. Read de Grimm and in the evening the article Bacon in the Biographia Brittanica after which Wallenstein.

Cloudy and cold. I went to the Office after reading my usual time. Made a purchase for T. B. Adams of United States Bank Shares at rather a higher price than I should have given for them if I had closed last month. I am not yet quite up to Stockjobbing and it will be wise for me to keep out of it. This is a temporary investment on account of the great price of all other Stocks and the risk attending Insurance. The more I look at the French news the less I admire it. And yet I do not believe in War. Nothing but the precipitate conduct of our government and the obstinacy of the French Deputies can produce it.

At the house where I was engaged in some preparations for our return. Thus my whole morning vanished, and having had some exercise I would not walk. Finished the sixth and last book of the Fasti. The remaining months of the year are wanting. On the whole the Poet has made the best of his subject which is rather an awkward one. He has drawn out of it much of the popular mythology in which he appears to have been well versed. De Grimm. Wallenstein. Finished the Article Bacon in the Biographia Brittanica. And a great subject for thought is opened to me. Mr. Shepherd was in for a short time. Wallenstein.

A pleasant morning. I read Wallenstein which is a charming production. The two Piccolomini I think are admirable. Of Wallenstein I cannot say quite so much. He seems to be a weak man, dabbling in plots yet without courage to execute them, and studying the Stars 85while the men about him are all to be watched. Yet the play is historical and the actual fact of want of success must be woven into the plan. Thecla is a fine picture.

Office. Writing upon my work. I find my ideas easily develope although perhaps I do not draw them out as fully as they require. Walk. Read a part of the Commentaries on the Fasti which appear to me to be learned and dull. Afternoon, Grimm, whose record for 1784 I finished. Very entertaining. His account of the reception of Beaumarchais Noces de Figaro excellent and the biting satire upon it. This man was a wonder. Evening, read aloud to Mr. Brooks the Sermon of Dr. Wainwright before the Legislature. He goes to the bottom of nothing. But some of his detached ideas are sound and well put.1