January 15.—A furious bombardment is in progress.
I have written a piece of poetry entitled “Dans le Cirque.” After dinner I read it to my Sunday guests. They want me to publish it. I will give it to the newspapers.
January 17.—The bombardment has been going on for three nights and three days without cessation.
Little Jeanne was cross with me because I would not let her play with the works of my watch.
All the newspapers publish my verses “Dans le Cirque.” They may be useful.
Louis Blanc called this morning. He urged me to join with Quinet and himself in bringing pressure to bear upon the Government. I replied: “I see more danger in overturning the Government than in supporting it.”
January 18.—M. Krupp is making cannon for use specially against balloons.
There is a cock in my little garden. Yesterday Louis Blanc lunched with us. The cock crowed. Louis Blanc paused and said:
“Listen!”
“What is it?”