A gay scene last night or rather this morning - the large theatre brilliantly illuminated, the boxes filled with ladies in full dress and the stage and Plateau with dancers & promenaders in masks & dominoes. None admitted without one or the other, so put on a silk and rose col Manteau, which I eventually twisted round my arm to prevent being torn off in the crowd.

Came across a couple of elegantes in satin cloaks - costly plumes gold chains etc., but of natural beauty far outshining their luxurious dress, graceful form, neck & bosom of snowy whiteness etc. etc. Followed them round & round and to the ridottoes most of the night. Spoke to them several times, taking them by the arm etc. and at last began to have hopes of making their acquaintance, when alas a sudden damper put a stop to my aspirations. For passing through the corridor, slipped into one of the dress boxes, filled with ladies and gentlemen. Then saw how I had miscalculated, but how to account for such freedom of manners in respectable ladies? As I patted the tallest on the neck several times saying, Oh come bella, bella, so quite disheartened.

At half past four, made my way to the Gran Brettagna - but too restless and excited to sleep. Rose at nine - took a walk & felt quite refreshed. In the corso this afternoon the balconies filled with throwers of dragets on the passengers in the street. Did all I could to avoid them, but still got my coat & hat besprinkled over. Am told this custom is peculiar to Milan & Rome, as last carnival saw nothing of it at Florence -