The Correspondence of Thomas Carlyle and Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1834-1872, Vol II. eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 306 pages of information about The Correspondence of Thomas Carlyle and Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1834-1872, Vol II..

The Correspondence of Thomas Carlyle and Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1834-1872, Vol II. eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 306 pages of information about The Correspondence of Thomas Carlyle and Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1834-1872, Vol II..

My Dear Friend,—­I have seen Furness of Philadelphia, who was, last week, in Boston, and inquired of him what account I should send you of the new Philadelphia edition.  “Has not Mr. Carey paid you?” he said.—­No.  “Then has he not paid Carlyle directly?” No, as I believe, or I should have heard of it.—­ Furness replied, that the promised fifty pounds were sure, and that the debt would have been settled before this time, if Mr. Carey had lived.  So as this is no longer a Three Blind Callenders’ business of Arabian Nights, I shall rest secure.  I have doubted whether the bad name which Philadelphia has gotten in these times would not have disquieted you in this long delay.  If you have ever heard directly from Carey and Hart, you will inform me.

I am to read to a society in Boston presently some lectures, —­on Plato, or the Philosopher; Swedenborg, or the Mystic; Montaigne, or the Sceptic; Shakespeare, or the Poet; Napoleon, or the Man of the World;—­if I dare, and much lecturing makes us incorrigibly rash.  Perhaps, before I end it, my list will be longer, and the measure of presumption overflowed.  I may take names less reverend than some of these,—­but six lectures I have promised.  I find this obligation usually a good spur to the sides of that dull horse I have charge of.  But many of its advantages must be regarded at a long distance.

I have heard nothing from you for a long time,—­so may your writing prosper the more.  I wish to hear, however, concerning you, and your house, and your studies, when there is little to tell.  The steamers come so fast—­to exchange cards would not be nothing.  My wife and children and my mother are well.  Peace and love to your household.

—­R.W.  Emerson

CIII.  Emerson to Carlyle

Concord, 30 September, 1845

My Dear Friend,—­I had hardly sent away my letter by the last steamer, when yours full of good news arrived.  I greet you heartily on the achievement of your task, and the new days of freedom obtained and deserved.  Happiest, first, that you can work, which seems the privilege of the great, and then, also, that thereby you can come at the sweetness of victory and rest.  Yes, flee to the country, ride, run, leap, sit, spread yourself at large; and in all ways celebrate the immense benevolence of the Universe towards you; and never complain again of dyspepsia, crosses, or the folly of men; for in giving you this potent concentration, what has been withholden?  I am glad with all men that a new book is made, that the gentle creation as well as the grosser goes ever on.  Another month will bring it to me, and I shall know the secrets of these late silent years.  Welcome the child of my friend!  Why should I regret that I see you not, when you are forced thus intimately to discover yourself beyond the intimacy of conversation?

But you should have sent me out the sheets by the last steamer, or a manuscript copy of the book.  I do not know but Munroe would have printed it at once, and defied the penny press.  And slow Time might have brought in his hands a most modest reward.

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The Correspondence of Thomas Carlyle and Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1834-1872, Vol II. from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.