May 1829
May 1.--Weather more tolerable. I commenced my review on the Duke of Guise's Expedition,[307] for my poor correspondent Gillies, with six leaves. What a curious tale that is of Masaniello! I went to Huntly Burn in the sociable, and returned on foot, to my great refreshment. Evening as usual. Ate, drank, smoked, and wrote. May 2.--A pitiful day of rain and wind. Laboured the whole morning at Gillies's review. It is a fine subject--the Duke of Guise at Naples--and I think not very much known, though the story of Masaniello is. I have a letter from Dr. Lardner proposing to me to publish the history in June. But I dare not undertake it in so short a space, proof-sheets and all considered; it must be October--no help for it.[308] Worked after dinner as usual. May 3.--The very same diary migh
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