29 October 1888 – 4 November 1888

Reading Troilus and Cressida to H. Shakespeare's hand in it, but not his play : poor in some parts, loaded in others : a re-cooking of familiar matter, with Shakespeare sauce.

To Haslemere by train, walked up to Aldworth among the yellowing trees ; met Mrs. Tennyson driving F. Palgrave to the station. Up to study, and found T. leaning back on a chair, his legs on another, thin and pale ; he gave me his brown hand and said ' I'm glad to see you.' He had a book in his hand, and the light of two candles close by fell on the right side of his face, which showed striking and noble. He wore a black skull-cap, his long Don Quixote nose was sharply outlined, his moustache looked dark and full. By general impression one might have guessed him seventy rather than eightv. He said, ' I have been in the doctor's hands — been very ill — never had such a time of it in my life ! — gout and rheumatic fever.' Zola — his question ' How can a book corrupt } ' Martial — ' Leigh Hunt said a boy found out in vice might ask " Why did you put such books into my hands?" Are these books necessary for the learning of Latin ? ' Tennyson. — ' There might be purified editions.'