17–23 August 1857

Only read the Iliad and intermittently attended to estate business. Went hunting and to the Engatychevs’. It is sad and gloomy in that house — no memories of any kind. Returned at one. The Iliad makes me completely reconsider The Fugitive.

Rose late, health quite good ; but in the morning I lost my temper and called someone a fool. Awful ! Before one notices it one is again lost. Read the Iliad. Serezha came ; we had a pleasant chat. The Outlying Field is completely thought out, but I am quite dissatisfied with the Caucasian tale. I cannot write with- out an idea. But the idea that good is good in every sphere, that the same passions exist everywhere, and that a savage condition is good, is not sufficient. It would be well enough were I penetrated by the latter conception. Only one way out.

The Elder came at nine. He also asked for his freedom. I promised it. Have brought fifty desyatfnas into one field. Wrote a tender lett~j. to Tolstdya yesterday. At eleven rode out with the dogs, killed one hare, reached Pirogdvo ; they had visitors there. Olga — red lips, clear blue eyes looking from under her brows, and the obtuse youthful gaiety of a maid-servant. On the harvest-field. Serezha is wrong that he is good. Masha is depressing. Auntie is a delight : active self- denying love. The invalid went to bed. Did nothing but eat and drink.

Chattered with Serezha. Gadding about all day ; the Pros&kovs here for some reason. Masha is difficult. My plans have flown to pieces. Again alas !

Again quite ill. In the morning I saw Masha off, read a little of the Iliads and began to write my Notes from the Bottom. Went for a walk with the children. On the whole the day better than the other days.

Received the proofs, revised them some- how. Very giddily. Sent them off. Dined. Went for a walk. Having worked in the morning felt fresh and contented.

Am going to bed early, feeling fresh. Am doing nothing. The medicine has been brought. I shan’t buy the dogs. Luke came, and said that we are all being passed through a machine. Health again good.