28 December 1863 – 31 December 1863

After breakfast I took leave of Mrs. Tennyson and the boys. P. civilly invites me to his house at York Gate. When I went to T.'s room he said, ' Come whenever you like,' and as I went out by the garden he came after me and saw me through the gate. Truly friendly — a delightful visit ! I walked to Yarmouth in happy mood and crossed to Lymington on the steam-boat.

Walked to Pitt's Deep and visited the Coastguard Station ; returned at dusk, dirty roads, starry sky. Be content : what folly in a poor man to wish for an easy life and at the same time for much that he could only get by hard work.