The Diaries of Adela Capel, 5th-7th January 1842 and verse on Fairy

Serena Williams

Click the start button on the bar above the image to hear the diary entries and the one on the bar below the image to listen to the poem.

Wednesday, January 5th 1842

Rose at 9. After Breakfast went to little Cassio. Talked with Aunt Bladen and made her a present of 1 of my fatted rabbits. Directly after dinner went to spend the afternoon and evening with Georgie Colville where I enjoyed myself very much.

Thursday, January 6th 1842

Rose at 9. Did not go out this morning. Rested myself after the fatigues of last night. After dinner walked about the garden, procured a few violets, asked Farmer to write my name upon my garden tools. 

Friday, January 7th 1842

Rose at ½ past 8. After Breakfast went to Little Cassiobury. Shewed her some verses on Fairy then took some cabbages to my rabbits. Saw Flora, gave her some bread. Did not go out in the afternoon. Miss Colville came here.

Verses on Fairy the faun

[The verses below may have been those taken to Little Cassiobury to show Aunt Bladen, or Adela may have taken the earlier ones which follow her entry for 29 November. All of them were written at the end of the diary, since there was no space for more than the daily entry.]

With her I have wandered for many an hour
With a step as light as her own,
Until warmed by the sun’s departing rays,
I have hastened to my home.

But now my step is sad and slow,
My heart is heavy too,
I sigh for thee my pretty one,
Thy wonted gambols miss.

I may have another but scarce like thee,
My favourite and best loved pet.

A.C.