Fine day. To Cambridge. Home. Afternoon reading. Evening, Lecture. Mr. Brooks’.

Early rising to go to Cambridge in company with Judge Merril, for an examination of the Sophomore class in the Iliad of Homer. The result was as bad as that on Monday was satisfactory. I think it a little singular that the recitations in Homer have been uniformly so indifferent. It rather argues a neglect of easy books. I find Parker of whom much was expected appeared badly.1 The College Government have granted the Committees leave to take books from the library which is a great thing and I immediately availed myself of it. Returned home at three. Afternoon, reading.

In the evening I went down to the Odeon and according to my agreement again delivered the Lecture which I have already been 355through so often. The place is a very different one from any which I have heretofore tried. It has more of the appearance of a popular assembly and the Lecturer, of a theatrical performer. I had some doubts about my voice, which excited me to make an unusual effort. I think I succeeded well although the audience was not so quickly moved as it had been at previous times. There was here as on the former occasion at the Masonic Temple one single manifestation of disapprobation, I know not for what. The house was very full and the applause quite considerable. From here I went to Mr. Brooks’ where were Edward and his Wife, and my Wife. Pleasant hour and then return home.

Fine day. Time distributed as usual. Evening at home.

We arose early in case of being called to go to Cambridge as I had agreed to fill a vacant place but the contingency did not happen so I devoted the time to medals.

Office as usual. Nothing very new. As the period approaches for going to New York I feel more and more disinclined to go. After all what is popular applause in this country but an ignis fatuus which will mislead us forever from the true point of selfcontent.

Home to read Oedipus Coloneus which I find I did not read very thoroughly before. It is however a fine play and if to be considered as the production of extreme old age is wonderful. For my afternoons I have taken a lazy fit and indulge in miscellanies. I cannot even screw myself up to finishing the commentaries of the Message. Evening Walpole.

Cloudy. Office. Division as usual. Evening at home.

I went through the usual course of occupation today. Wrote two letters, one to Mr. Johnson requesting of him to draw upon me,1 and one to Mr. Ward to know exactly what the terms are upon which I am to go to New York.2 I do not care for this going out to warfare at my own charges. Nothing new excepting that as I was returning home I stopped in for a moment to see Warren the virtuoso and he told me that he had just arrived from Washington and that Louisa was sick when he left.

Home to read Oedipus Coloneus. The rest of the day passed in luxurious desultory reading. Evening as Louisa had two or three of her School friends, I took the opportunity to continue my copying of MS which goes on rather sluggishly. Charles rather unwell.