Three days in August

1 August, in the year of our Lord 2022

Up, waking in my own bed again, but slept ill, with more ugly dreams to unsettle me, and I did read accounts that many have them, the same, since our lifes turned around by the plague, though none can tell their meaning, whether it be a distortion of the past or a premonition of the future, or whether it be a fear of death. The feel of my house strange, and lacking comfort, for Mr. Walker hath still not returned my clocks, and it is as if a heartbeat within the walls is missing. This morning Mr. M. Jones reported a bad cough, and all day with it, and in general feeling below pah.

 

2 August, in the year of our Lord 2022

After breakfast the Messenger from Mr. Jones that he hath performed upon himself a test for the Covey, and both little lines pink, which did give him confirmation of it, so he stayed at home all day.

 

3 August, in the year of our Lord 2022

Up betimes, and at a half-past eight a-clock with my coach at the Repair Shopp by the Junction, and there met with Graham, a fellow of much cheer, who tells me that Paul, his dint man, would come and, if able, undint the roof, though it would mean taking down the inside to do it, and it depend if there were a strutt there; but if it were not possible, he would not charge me, as we agreed. So left it, and walked by the River, and to the Tower, though quickly past it for the memory it brings of my brief detention there, and presently around the streets, meeting with few and the streets very quiet, even at nine a-clock, only a carriage deppositing some slightly dazed people with packs upon their backs and a man among them crying, ‘These are the walls, this way is the river and that way the Tower, and do not forget that you need to be back here at a half past eleven a-clock.’ It a fine day, all a great sun shine, so walked very long and by and by to a coffee-shop where a Messenger found me to tell me that my coach all mended, which I walked back for, and Lord be praised, but it as good as the first day I drove it home, all dints smoothed and the metallick Attol blue of its roof polished and all a-gleam. Settled the account 28l 3s. plus V.A.T., as estimated, and home much contented.
  After supper alone, sent the Messenger here and there, inquiring of the health of others, for Mr. Jones took to bed with the plague so he said I should not visit; and did learn by bed time that of all the last weeks wedding guests only Mr. Reid ill at his home, though his testing for the Covey negitive. Gave thanks to God that I am yet preserved from it. And so to bed.