The Day of Departure is Come

Scott’s Journal:

May 11 [1826] --

    "Der Abschiedstag ist da,

    Schwer liegt er auf den Herzen--schwer."

Charlotte was unable to take leave of me, being in a sound sleep, after

a very indifferent night. Perhaps it was as well. Emotion might have

hurt her; and nothing I could have expressed would have been worth the

risk. I have foreseen, for two years and more, that this menaced event

could not be far distant. I have seen plainly, within the last two

months, that recovery was hopeless. And yet to part with the companion

of twenty-nine years when so very ill--that I did not, could not

foresee. It withers my heart to think of it, and to recollect that

I can hardly hope again to seek confidence and counsel from that ear to

which all might be safely confided. But in her present lethargic state,

what would my attentions have availed? and Anne has promised close and

constant intelligence. I must dine with James Ballantyne to-day en

famille_. I cannot help it; but would rather be at home and alone.

However, I can go out too. I will not yield to the barren sense of

hopelessness which struggles to invade me. I passed a pleasant day with

honest J.B., which was a great relief from the black dog which would

have worried me at home. We were quite alone.

Scott was right.  The end was near.  Wife Charlotte had 4 days left.