s it assuredly taxes to the utmost every faculty.

III

(M189) Though this was a "tumultuous year," he noted with some complacency
that the work of his pen produced a thousand pounds. He laboured hard at
his Homeric primer, "just contriving to squeeze the completion of it into
the Easter recess"; wrote articles on the "Peace to Come," on the "Paths
of Honour and of Shame," on the Abbe Martin, on "England's Mission," on
"Electoral Statistics," the "Friends and Foes of Russia," and other
matters. He finished a paper on Iris, "a charming little subject, and for
once I am a little pleased with my work." He toiled diligently at a
collection of old articles, which he christened _Gleanings_:--

_November 14._--Worked on articles for reprint. Reperusal of
Patteson moves me unto tears.(355) What a height he reached! What
he did for God and the church. Praise to the Highest in the
height! 21.--This morning the rain on the trees was wonderful and
lovely. When it fell under the trees in the afternoon it was like
snow or small icicles an inch deep. 25.--Read _Maud_ once more,
and, aided by Doyle's criticism, wrote my note of apology and
partial retractation.(356) The fact is I am wanting in that higher
poetical sense, which distinguishes the true artist.

Again and again he gives himself the delightful refreshment of arranging
his books. He finds that he has 700 volumes of English poetry. "After 30
hours my library is now in a passable state, and I enjoy, in Ruskin's
words, 'the complacency of possession and the pleasantness of order.' " He
sat to Millais in the summer for what was to be the most popular of his
portraits. "_July 5._--Went with C. to examine the Millais portrait, surely
a very fine work. 6--Sat once more to Millais, whose ardour and energy
about his picture inspire a strong sympathy." On Good Friday he hears
Bach's passion music, "most beautiful, yet not what I like for to-day." In
the afternoon: "We drove down to Pembroke Lodge. For a few minutes saw
Lord Russell at his desire--a noble wreck. He recognised us and overflowed
with feeling."

In December the Argylls and Mr. Ruskin came to Hawarden:--

_Dec. 12._--Mr. Ruskin's health better, and no diminution of charm.
14.--Mr. Ruskin at dinner developed his political opinions. They
aim at the restoration of the Judaic system, and exhibit a mixture
of virtuous absolutism and Christian socialism. All in