Wednesday 7 March.
Yesterday you did very well. You thought that Smith's system* was running mankind, melting them, into one mass in the crucible of Sympathy. Whereas they are separate beings, and 'tis their duty as rational beings to approach near to each other. You are to give an analysis of Smith's book. 'Twill be fine. Write out sketch of Female Scribbler: old, surly squire; weak, ignorant mother; light, trifling lover whom she does not care for; foolish maid; heavy, covetous bookseller; generous, sensible lover, &c. You went at three and heard Professor Trotz. You was well and firm and reserved at Assembly. Pray speak not of self. Be good to Rose while here. Write short and genteel to Sommelsdyck, Madame Spaen.
Thursday 8 March,
Yesterday you did very well. Having
finished Xenophon, you began Plutarch. You drank tea with
Madame Brown, with Madame Sichterman, whom you found
agreeable, and was pleased to see the lady to whom Sir David has
poured forth his plaints. You mentioned him. But she waived the
nice subject. At eight you was at Zelide's [Zelide = Belle van Zuylen] concert, fine, really
charmed and soothed; she, sweet and mild. You're to go every
Wednesday. This day at ... four, Zelide; ask if you may show
Portrait to Rose; if so, make him copy it. Journal by degrees
No neutral time. I beseech you, gain calm behaviour like Temple,
nor be uneasy at its not appearing.
* Boswell leest The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) van Adam Smith, vooral bekend door zijn invloedrijke boek The Wealth of Nations. Boswell had in 1759-1760 les gehad van Smith in Glasgow.
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten