Spent each morning at harmony, modulation, musical history (Scholl’s), Horace and Roman History, ‘Slighe an Eolais’ [The Paths of Knowledge], ‘Aigne an Ghaedhil’ ((The title of the book is actually Eagna an Ghaedhil, The Wisdom of the Irish, by Cormac Ó Cadhlaigh. It is a collection of proverbs. Thanks to Liam and Mine MacCóil for this information.)) [The Proverbs of the Irish] and ‘Ceart na Gaedhilge’ [Irish Syntax], ‘Hamlet’, poetry and Joyce’s big ‘Irish History’. Unfortunately the programme generally dragged out after dinner so that I have read only Oman’s ‘Seven Roman Statesmen’. I love the spirit and atmosphere of Holy Week. Went to morning services and tenebrae each evening and found the choir glorious. The ‘Jerusalem’ and the ‘Miserere’ are so solemn, so festive and so reminiscent of the Passion. On Sat. went to Betty, and had a good ride on the pony. But then was pressed to go to the pictures, and though Lent was over at 12, I hated myself for having gone. Easter Sunday was celebrated in the Cathedral with Huber’s Mass, assisted by a band. The clear, devotional music is haunting me still. ‘Terra tremuit’ was also performed, one of Páp’s compositions and dedicated to Canon Michael [O’Sullivan]. It is evidently a fine work and went well, but he did not give himself enough trouble with it. I am really sorry that Holy Week is over. It is the last of my school-days. Will be playing organ myself next year. Probably.
