he public opinion of Worcestershire
beyond all doubt.

_Hawarden, May 24._--The house looks cleanliness itself, and
altogether being down here in the fresh air, and seeing nature all
round me so busy with her work so beneficent and beautiful, makes
me very sick of London and its wrathful politics, and wish that we
were all here, or hereabouts once more.

_July 20._--The political storm has blown over, but I do not think
it seems an evening for riding to Holly House, nor can I honestly
say that a party there would be a relaxation for my weary bones,
and wearier nerves and brain.

_Aug. 4._--I have been at All Saints this morning. Though London is
empty, as they say, it was absolutely crammed. Richards preached
an excellent sermon. But I certainly should not wish to be an
habitual attendant there. The intention of the service is most
devout, but I am far from liking wholly the mode of execution. My
neighbour in church whispered to me, "Is the Bishop of London's
jurisdiction acknowledged here?" I think he seemed to wish it
should not be.

_Oct. 22._--Tell Harry [his son] he is right, Latin is difficult,
and it is in great part because it is difficult that it is useful.
Suppose lie wanted to make himself a good jumper; how would he do
it? By trying _first_, indeed, what was easy, but after that
always what was difficult enough to make him exert himself to the
uttermost. If he kept to the easy jumps, he would never improve.
But the jumps that are at first difficult by and bye become easy.
So the Latin lessons, which he now finds difficult, he will find
easy when once his mind has been improved and strengthened by
those very lessons. See if he understands this.

_Dec. 29._--The strangest feeling of all in me is a rebellion (I
know not what else to call it) against growing old.

_Cliveden, Maidenhead, Jan. 14, 1862._--I have written to John [his
brother], and if he is in town I shall go up and see him tomorrow.
Meantime I have mentioned Locock, as recommended by you. I fear
the dark cloud is slowly gathering over him [his wife's illness],
as we have seen it lately gather over so many and then break. I am
amazed at the mercy of God towards us, and towards me in
particular. I think of all the children, and of their health in
body and in mind. It seems as if it could not la