Another day, another day! the old fellow posts as well over water as over land! Rose at about half-past eight, went up to the round-house; breakfasted, and worked at my Bible-cover. As soon as our tent was spread, went out on deck: took a longish walk with Mr. ----. I like him very much; his face would enchant Lavater, and his skull ecstacise the Combes. Lay down under our rough pavilion, and heard the gentlemen descant very learnedly upon freemasonry. A book called "Adventures of an Irish Gentleman," suggested the conversation; in which are detailed some of the initiatory ceremonies, which appear to me so incredibly foolish, that I can scarce believe them, even making mankind a handsome allowance for absurdity. I soon perceived that the discussion was likely to prove a serious one, for in America, it seems, 'tis made a political question; and our Boston friend, and the Jacksonite, fell to rather sharply about it. The temperance of the former, however, by retreating from the field, spared us further argumentation. One thing I marvel at:--are the institutions of men stronger to bind men, than those of God; and does masonry effect good, which Christianity does not?--a silly query, by the way; for doubtless men act the good, but forbear to act the evil, before each other's eyes; which they think nothing of doing, or leaving undone, under those of God. Gossiped till lunch-time; afterwards took up Childe Harold,--commend me to that! I thought of dear H----. She admires Byron more than I do; and yet how wildly I did, how deeply I do still, worship his might, majesty, and loveliness. We dined up stairs, and after dinner, I and Mr. ---- look a long walk on deck; talking flimsy morality, and philosophy, the text of which were generalities, but all the points individualities: I was amused in my heart at him and myself. He'd a good miss of me at ----: Heaven knows, I was odious enough! and therein his informer was right. The day was bright, and bitter cold,--the sea blue, and transparent as that loveliest line in Dante, "Dolce color di oriental zaffiro," with a lining of pearly foam, and glittering spray, that enchanted me. Came and sat down again:--wrote doggerel for the captain's album, about the captain's ship, which, when once I am out of her, I'll swear I love infinitely. Read aloud to them some of Byron's short poems, and that glorious hymn to the sea, in Childe Harold:--mercy, how fine it is! Lay under our canvass shed till nine o'clock:--the stars were brilliant in the intense blue sky, the wind had dropped, the ship lay still--we sang a song or two, supped, and came in; where, after inditing two rhapsodies, we came to bed. _Friday, 17th._