Wednesday, April 24:
R. is woken during the night by Marke’s barking; he tells me he has just dreamed that he was reciting Shakespeare in English in England and was amazed at how sure he was: “What inspiration does for one!” he said to himself. “But all the same I shall have to ask my wife.” R. works and tells me that he will have finished the maidens’ scene by the end of the month; he will then give it to me to read before singing it to me. We are glad that we are alone for our dessert. Went walking in the garden with R.; many spring problems beside our spring joys! But we shall bear them all serenely “for the sake of our love.” In the evening we return at last to our Jew in Ashby; much entertainment from it. Heartfelt enjoyment of the tranquil life now restored to us.