custom) &
sometimes I read other books to her. So you may perceive, I _have the
use of my tongue_ & I tell her it is a good thing to have the use of my
tongue. Unkle Ned[43] called here just now--all well--by the way he is
come to live in Boston again, & till he can be better accomodated, is at
housekeeping where Mad^m Storer lately lived, he is looking for a less
house. I tell my Aunt I feel a disposician to be a good girl, & she
pleases herself that she shall have much comfort of me to-day, which as
cousin Sally is ironing we expect to have to ourselves.

Feb. 10th.--This day I paid my respects to Master Holbrook, after a
week's absence, my finger is still in limbo as you may see by the
writeing. I have not paid my compliments to Madam Smith,[44] for, altho'
I can drive the goos quill a bit, I cannot so well manage the needle.
So I will lay my hand to the distaff, as the virtuous woman did of
old--Yesterday was very bad weather, neither aunt, nor niece at publick
worship.

Feb. 12th.--Yesterday afternoon I spent at unkle Joshuas. Aunt Green
gave me a plaister for my fingure that has near cur'd it, but I have a
new boil, which is under poultice, & tomorrow I am to undergo another
seasoning with globe Salt. The following lines Aunt Deming found in
grandmama Sargent's[45] pocket-book & gives me leave to copy 'em here.--

Dim eyes, deaf ears, cold stomach shew,
My dissolution is in view
The shuttle's thrown, my race is run,
My sun is set, my work is done;
My span is out, my tale is told,
My flower's decay'd, & stock grows old,
The dream is past, the shadows fled,
My soul now longs for Christ my head,
I've lived to seventy six or nigh,
GOD calls at last, & now I'll die.[46]

My honor'd Grandma departed this vale of tears 1-4 before 4 o'clock
wednesday morning August 21, 1771. Aged 74 years, 2 months & ten days.

Feb. 13th.--Everybody says that this is a bitter cold day, but I know
nothing about it but hearsay for I am in aunt's chamber (which is very
warm always) with a nice fire, a stove, sitting in Aunt's easy chair,
with a tall three leav'd screen at my back, & I am very comfortable.
I took my second (& I hope last) potion of Globe salts this morning.
I went to see Aunt Storer yesterday afternoon, & by the way Unkle Storer
is so ill that he keeps chamber. As I went down I call'd at Mrs
Whitwell's & must tell you Mr & Mrs Whitwell are both ill. Mrs. Whitwell
with the rheumatism. I saw M