counterpane
And in choosing, from the mid-afternoon drowse, between a biography of Virginia Woolf, some slightly silly essayettes,1 and English Society in the Eighteenth Century (which is, as it sounds, an introductory history to society in 18th century England), I must choose the latter – because its aims are clear, and it will not fight with me as I try to keep sleep at bay, or quarrel at my lack of thought or attention, but will slowly, smoothly, slide forward in a haze of pocket boroughs, port, window taxes, and roast beef.
- This is an ugly word, but apt to the purpose. [↩]