Page:Journals of Dorothy Wordsworth; (IA cu31924104001478).pdf/39

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ALFOXDEN
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leaves, the evergreens, and the palms, which indeed are not absolutely green. Some brambles I observed to-day budding afresh, and those have shed their old leaves. The crooked arm of the old oak tree points upwards to the moon.

25th.—Walked to Coleridge's after tea. Arrived at home at one o'clock. The night cloudy but not dark.

26th.—Went to meet Wedgwood at Coleridge's after dinner. Reached home at half-past twelve, a fine moonlight night; half moon.

27th.—Dined at Poole's. Arrived at home a little after twelve, a partially cloudy, but light night, very cold.

28th.—Hung out the linen.

29th.—Coleridge dined with us.

30th.—Walked I know not where.

31st.—Walked.

April 1st.—Walked by moonlight.

2nd.—A very high wind. Coleridge came to avoid the smoke; stayed all night. We walked in the wood, and sat under the trees. The half of the wood perfectly still, while the wind was making a loud noise behind us. The still trees only gently bowed their heads, as if listening to the wind. The hollies in the thick wood unshaken by the blast; only, when it came with a greater force, shaken by the rain drops falling from the bare oaks above.

3rd.—Walked to Crookham, with Coleridge and Wm., to make the appeal. Left Wm. there, and parted with Coleridge at the top of the hill. A very stormy afternoon....

4th.—Walked to the sea-side in the afternoon. A great commotion in the air, but the sea neither grand nor beautiful. A violent shower in returning. Sheltered under some fir trees at Potsdam.

5th.—Coleridge came to dinner. William and I walked in the wood in the morning. I fetched eggs from the Coombe.