Monday Novr. 21st.
Arabel & I got over the “triste embarras” by writing to Bummy, & begging her to “walk” home. Agreed to,—& we set off at about eight. Found Annie half dressed & Mrs. Boyd quite undressed. Nearly ten before I was admitted into Mr. Boyd’s room. He spoke to me very kindly—& we read the exordium & peroration of Gregory’s 2d. oration on the paschal.[1]
Mr. Curzon talked for about one half hour to Mr. Boyd while I was in the room. He & we did not go away until five. Dark all the way. Talked about Mr. Boyd whom Mr. Curzon “cant understand,” & about our Hope End business which I cant understand. Let down Mr. C at our gate. Rather a happy day. For the very happy ones .. Eheu fugaces!--[2]
1. Oration 42, (GNO, I, 676–697). A marginal note in WG, p. 676, recorded: “Read with Mr. Boyd. Nov. 21. 1831.” (61 lines.) Another, on p. 696: “Read with Mr. Boyd. Nov 21 1831. Malvern Wells.” (2 columns.)
2. “Alas, they glide swiftly by.” (Horace, “Odes,” II.xiv, lines 1–4, LCL-HO/O, pp. 142–143: “Alas, O Postumus, Postumus, the years glide swiftly by, nor will righteousness give pause to wrinkles, to advancing age, or Death invincible.”)
