4–10 June 1855

The same indefinite and stupid idleness and lack of character, and weakness of character in not turning out Rogazfnski. I read Esmond , and in the evening had a capital ride to Mangup-Kaleh. I saw the moon from the right. Idleness — one, lack of character — one, total two. My health seems to be good.

Idleness, idleness, idleness ! I crossed the river and rode in the evening to Shdya. Was boastful with the battery Commanders and twice showed lack of character : once with Weimarn in not asking him whether I was to cross or not, the second time with Read, when I was afraid of his noticing me. Was idle all day. Total : vanity — two, lack of character — two, idleness — one ; in all five. Write to Boborykin about the plan of going to the advance posts.

Rose late, bathed three times. Rode to Starkdy, where I bought a horse. Read Esmond , and chatted with Stol^pin and Gorchakov at my lodging and at theirs. Idleness, idleness ! Disorderliness about send- ing to Simferdpol, lack of character in not posting up my Diary yesterday — in all three. Yesterday morning an assault was repulsed

Read Esmond which I have finished. Went to see the adjutants who are intolerably stupid, and bathed three times, absolutely nothing else. Idleness , idleness , idle- ness! which at all costs must be finished to-morrow, to which end I will get up early. Idleness — one, but a great one.

Idleness, idleness. My health is worse. All day I was reading Vanity Fair. Vanity. Stotypin has left with a report, and that alarmed me.

In the evening I called in the Doctor — he comforted me. Moreover my health is really better, especially to-day. Chatted about political economy with D. Stotypin. He is not stupid and is good-natured. Idleness — for I did nothing except careless reading of Vanity Fair — tnd lack of character, . . . total three.