Bruce Shanks (1908-1980)

June 14 – (Friday – (sic); Restless again. More work in garden, this time the beds including the lilac bushes by the studio. June 15- (Sat.)Strong damp wind from the south west; at first brilliant sunshine, but later heavy formless masses of mist cover the sky.; Working on an idea for framing my pictures in a new manner. The physical labor was soothing.; But in the evening, the war again overcomes me (perhaps due to the imminent fall of France) and I am in a black fit of depression. Coming out to the studio, I opened the Bible at random, chance directing me to the 140th Psalm:- [sic] “Deliver me, O Lord from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; 2. Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.3. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.4-[sic] Keep me, O Lord from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.