On ways by which JB may combat his depression. Invitation to stay - books (but no novels), walks in London, the diversion offered by current affairs (e.g. a failed rally on Kennington Green - presumably a Chartist demonstration, but clearly not that of 10th April on Kennington Common), the return of British expats from France in the face of the revolution that year (80,000 estimated to be in Paris alone - the family of the Earl of Pembroke occupied 8 carriages).

On a particularly bad attack of indigestion. Received 2 tickets to the Phormio, which he gave to his doctor and his amanuensis. The Epilogue, a satire on the Chartists of the day, was received with much applause - will be published in The Times on the 19th. The last time he and JB saw the play was in 1779 - 2 lead characters, Dickens and Kelly, went to Oxford the following spring. Quotes a line referring to a set of gamblers known as blacklegs. Refers to Welch's List of the Scholars of Westminster School. Does JB exercise on horseback or on shanks' pony, as their schoolboy expression had it (NB very early use of this phrase)?

On the afflictions of growing old. He can only sit and read (presumably, be read to). All modern publications are 'trash' - going through for the second time Sir Robert Ker Porter's Journey to Baghdad. On the arrival of some artefacts from Ninevah in the British Museum. Steam navigation has brought so many countries within reach. Corn Laws to be discussed again in Parliament. If the price of bread can be kept down for the lower orders, the Chartists and other disaffected characters will have less to work with. On the price of meat and fish.

Extraordinary events at home and abroad (presumably revolutionary movements in Europe, Chartism and Ireland). Liddell will very shortly move on to become tutor to the Prince of Wales (this did not happen). Surprised that Liddell was ever appointed - younger son of Lord Ravensworth, a family C knew well- 'remarkable for their inattention to literature.' Anticipates the monster Chartist mutiny scheduled for 10th April (see 40) - like their fellows in Paris they probably want good pay and no work. On the power of the mob in Paris. A riot in Madrid has been suppressed by the military.

Quotes a golden line from Ovid's Metamorphoses, and explains it. Government spies have anticipated and foiled a Chartist plot to burn the Bank. On atrocities committed by the mob in Paris - the spirits of insurrection in England are checked though not extinguished; he wonders, however, if measures in England are too lenient, whereas the Irish will be infuriated by John Mitchel being sentenced to 14 years' transportation. On the supply and price of various foods. On refugees from poverty or rebellion, both from Ireland and from the continent, crowding the streets of London and raising the poor rates.