The Henson Journals

[89]

Saturday, December 15th, 1923.

As to friendship, it is a propensity in which my genius is very limited. I do not know the male human being, except Lord Clare, the friend of my infancy, for whom I feel any thing that deserves the name. All my other are men–of–the–world friendships. I did not even feel it for Shelley, however much I admired and esteemed him: so that you see not even vanity could bribe me into it, for, of all men, Shelley thought highest of my talents, – and, perhaps, of my disposition.

Ld Byron to Mrs Shelley 1823 (VI. 175)

I wrote a letter of condolence to Sir Henry Craik whose wife's death was reported in yesterday's "Times". For the rest, the day was without any unusual feature. I worked at the charge for the Ordinandi, read the papers, wrote my letters, and read more of Byron's correspondence. Also, I read through a quaint little book, at once acute and unbalanced, bigoted and liberal "Prayer Book Revision and Christian Reunion. Some essentials discussed in the light of liturgical facts & principles" by Francis C. Eeles. The "essentials" appear to be the adoption of the Sarum ceremonial rather than the Roman, and the substitution of mortar–boards & surplices for birettas & cottas! The writer uses the fiercest language against the Anglo–Catholics who favour the last! Now did you ever?

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