Florence 5 day.

Rose at 7. A delightful half-sunny ― half pearly gray day, warm enough to have the window open ― a wood fire within.

After Breakfast & hearing G. read ― worked at the Architecture of the Florence picture absolutely, almost without stopping ― from 9 to 5 ―: I could have seen a few minutes longer by the bright reflect of the sunset ― but thought it better to rush out, wh. I did ― to Palœopolis ― from 5.15 ― to 6.15. Dined at 6.30 ― & penned out (Jánnina ˆ[Apl. 10/57]) till 10.30.

Onto the Kastrades road, I met the De Veres: ――

The Prince is really dead ― most sad to think of. He died on Sat.y the 14th.

And poor Queen Victoria is a Widow. Sadder days still I fear are in store.

What man can have done his duty in all ways as son, brother, Husband, Father, & public man in the highest station ― more & better than Prince Albert? ― This will be felt in after times. ―

[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]