rotten a Holding ground. And thus have I learned that a woman may be young
and yet aweary of her life, which I did not think to be true.

Sometimes I would I had not read, and again I would know more and run the
knife yet deeper in my heart, and in that curst book never will I read
again, and even in the writing of this well do I know I cannot forbear to
read, and so Teares my drink and all my content gone. But let me remember
there was here and there a word where he hath writ tenderly of his poor
Wife, and when I did see him weep my heart did pity him. But what hope or
help, for a Jar mended may hold water, but yet the Cracks remain, and the
worth gone for ever and a Day.

Well, God mend all, and yet I think He cannot. But in this Booke of mine
will I never write more, for the mirth and the little Frets that I did
think so great alike do pierce my heart to read. So farewell, my Booke,
that was a good friend in sunshine but an ill friend in storm, for I am
done with thee and with many things more this day.

And so to the work that must be done and the day that must be lived though
Brows ake and heart break.

(_Elizabeth Pepys died at the age of twenty-nine_.)




Esther Johnson
"Stella"
1681-1728