Wednesday. July 20.
How the days of this month are coming to a close,—quickly quickly; & probably much of our happiness with them. Next month—oh!—next month!— My fatigue has not quite gone off,—so I have determined on not going to Mrs. Cliffe’s,—& they have all gone without me. I liked my solitude, even tho’ I had no one to say so to—& in spite of La Bruyère, & Cowper!—[1] Nearly finished the Alcestis. I will finish it tomorrow, before breakfast.
1. Jean de la Bruyère (1645–96) and William Cowper (1731–1800). E.B.B.’s comment springs from their remarks on solitude: “All men’s misfortunes proceed from their aversion to being alone” (La Bruyère: Characters, trans. Henri van Laun, London, 1963, p. 199); “The slavish dread of solitude that breeds / Reflection and remorse,” (Cowper, The Task, London, 1785, Bk. I, lines 488–489).