13 August 1849 – 19 August 1849

Dinner at Mr. Patmore's. Dis- cussion on writing poetry — he for consciousness, I for unconsciousness : he thinks a poet ought to know exactly what he wants to do and how to set about it ; I am for knowing all one can, but also for poetising without conscious reference to rules and precedents. I produce my verses — 'Pilot's Daughter,' 'By the Shore,' ' Fairies,' etc. P. praises, and proposes a joint publication.