_Christmas Day, 25th Dec., 1888_.--Am somewhat easier and freer to-day
and the last three days--sit up most of the time--read and write, and
receive my visitors. Have now been in-doors sick for seven months--half
of the time bad, bad, vertigo, indigestion, bladder, gastric, head
trouble, inertia--Dr. Bucke, Dr. Osler, Drs. Wharton and Walsh--now
Edward Wilkins my help and nurse. A fine, splendid, sunny day. My
"November Boughs" is printed and out; and my "Complete Works, Poems and
Prose," a big volume, 900 pages, also. It is ab't noon, and I sit here
pretty comfortable.