The Henson Journals

[94]

Saturday, January 6th, 1917.

887th day

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"There needs no prophetical spirit to discern, by a small cloud, that there is a storm coming towards our church: such a one as shall not only drench our plumes, but shake our peace. Already de we see the sky thicken, and hear the winds whistle hollow afar off, and feel all the presages of a tempest, which the late example of our neighbours bids us fear".

Bishop Hall's Dedication of Via Media (v. Works. IX. 489)

I went to the Cathedral at 8 a.m., and celebrated the Holy Communion. After breakfast I walked into the town & bought Logic's dog licence. Then I presided at a Chapter–meeting. After lunch I distributed prizes to the choristers in the Chapter House, and then attended Evensong. Ella brought to tea the dowager Lady Londonderry, Lady Palmer, Mrs Palmer, Mrs & Miss Pemberton, & others. Also Colonel Herne was of the party. Scarcely were they gone, than we went to the Choir–house for the Choristers' Entertainment. The boys acted the court–scene in "Richard III". George was really very effective as the King, & Harris as the Bishop of Carlisle. Dobbie was Bolingbroke, & Jackson, Aumerle. I had no expectation that the boys had so much dramatic ability. Gamble has an effective letter in the "Times" headed "Episcopal Palaces". After dinner Ernest read to us from "Martin Chuzzlewit". So ended a week of singular futility – the first week of the New Year, which was to be marked by so much energy and effort! The brief remainder of my working life is running out, and nothing done. This tiresome "Royal Institution" Lecture had caused me to spend much time & labour to no purpose, & I have not yet succeeded in getting it into shape!

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