,,recollections ,,( ,,dante ,,gabriel   
,,rossetti  ,by ,t4 ,hall ,ca9e         
,rob]ts ,bro!rs - #ahhc     ,,preface4  
,"o day t[>ds ! close ( #ahha ,rossetti1
 :o 0 !n v ill1 said to me3  8,h[ well  
,i rememb] ! beg9n+ ( our correspond5ce1
 & h[ little did ,i ?9k x w\ld lead to  
su* relations betwe5 u z h ensu$6 ,i 0  
at ! "t v solit>y & depress$ f v>i\s    
causes1 & ! lett]s ( s "y & ard5t a     
well-wi%]1 ?\gh unkn[n to me p]sonally1 
br\ght solace40  8,y\rs10 ,i said1 87 v 
valuable to me40  8,m9e to y 7 among !  
l>ge/ bodies ( lit]>y lett]s ,i ev]     
wrote1 o!rs be+ (t5 lett]s ( p]sonal    
int]e/40  8,& s admirable 9 !mselves10  
,i add$1 8& s free f ! discussion ( any 
b lit]>y subjects t _m ( !m w\ld be> to 
be pr9t$ exactly z y p5n$ !m40  8,t10 he
 said1 8w be = y "s day to decide40     
,?is 0 ! fir/ h9t ( any int5tion ^u my  
"p ( publi%+ ! lett]s he _h writt5 to   
me2 inde$1 ?is 0 ! fir/ mom5t at :i* ,i 
_h conceiv$ ! idea ( do+ s4 ,no?+ fur!r 
on ! subject 0 said d[n to ! morn+ ( !  

,?ursday prec$+ ! ,sunday on :i* he di$1
 :5 we talk$ toge!r = ! la/ "t on       
subjects ( g5]al int]e/1--subsequ5t     
int]views be+ conc]n$ :olly ) solicit\s 
inquiries ^u my "p1 9 common ) o!r      
anxi\s fri5ds1 z to ! nature ( 8        
suff]+s1 & ! briefe/ answ]s f him4  8,h[
 long h we be5 fri5ds80 he said4  ,i    
repli$1 betwe5 ?ree & f\r ye>s f my fir/
 correspond+ ) him4  8,& h[ long did we 
correspond80  8,?ree ye>s1 ne>ly40      
8,:at numb]s ( my lett]s y mu/ possess6 
,!y may p]haps ev5 yet be useful to y40 
,f ?is mom5t ,i reg>d$ ! publication ( 8
 lett]s z 9 "s sort a tru/2 & ?\gh ,i   
mu/ h )held !m = "s ye>s if ,i _h       
consult$ my own wi%es simply1 ,i yield$ 
to ! necessity t !y %\ld be publi%$ at  
once1 r ?an run any risk ( _! n be5     
publi%$ at all4  ,:at ,i h j said w     
acc\nt = ! circum/ance t ,i1 ! y\nge/ & 
late/ ( ,rossetti's fri5ds1 %\ld be !   
fir/ to seem to /& t[>ds him 9 !        
relation ( a biograph]4 ,i say seem to  
/&1 = ?is is n a biography4 ,x 0 always 

kn[n to be ,rossetti's wi% t if at any  
mom5t aft] 8 dea? x %\ld appe> t ! /ory 
( 8 life requir$ to be writt51 ! "o     
fri5d :o dur+ _m ( 8 lat] ye>s knew him 
mo/ intimately1 & to :om he unlock$ !   
mo/ sacr$ secrets ( 8 he>t1 ,mr4 ,!odore
 ,watts1 %\ld write x1 unless inde$ x 7 
und]tak5 by 8 bro!r ,william4 ,b ?\gh ,i
 "k t :5ev] ,mr4 ,watts sets p5 to pap] 
9 pursuance ( su* purpose1 & 9 fulfilm5t
 ( su* *>ge1 he w af=d u a recognisable 
portrait ( ! man1 vivifi$ by picturesque
 illu/ration1 ! l ( :i* few o!r writ]s  
c\ld compass1 ,i also "k f :at ,rossetti
 (t5 told me ( 8 fri5d's imm]sion 9 all 
k9ds & v>ieties ( life1 t ye>s 7p]haps  
_m ye>s7 may elapse be=e su* a biography
 is giv5 to ! _w4 ,my own book is1 ,i   
tru/1 exactly :at x purports to be3 a   
volume ( ,recollections1 int]wov5 )     
lett]s & criticism1 & prec$$ by su* a   
summ>y ( ! lead+ facts 9 ,rossetti's    
life z seems necess>y = ! elucidation ( 
subsequ5t records4 ,i h drawn ,rossetti 
precisely z ,i f\nd him 9 ea* /age ( our

 fri5d%ip1 exhibit+ 8 _m contradictions 
( "*1 ext5uat+ no?+1 &1 ,i ne$ h>dly    
add1 sett+ d[n naught 9 malice4 ,up to  
?is mom5t ,i h nev] inquir$ ( myself    
:e!r to ^? :o h kn[n little or no?+ (   
,rossetti hi!rto1 m9e w seem to be on ! 
:ole fav\rable or unfav\rable           
portraiture2 b ,i h tru/$ my admiration 
( ! poet & affection = ! fri5d to       
p5etrate ) k9dly & appreciative feel+ e 
comm5t ,i h _h to (f]4 ,i 0 attract$ to 
,rossetti 9 ! fir/ case by ard5t love ( 
8 g5ius1 & reta9$ to him ultimately by  
love ( ! man4 ,z ,i h said 9 ! c\rse (  
^! ,recollections1 x 0 l>gely 8         
unhapp9ess t held me1 ) o!rs1 z by a    
spell1 & only too sadly 9 ?is p>ticul>  
did he 9 8 la/ ye> realise 8 own picture
 ( ,dante at ,v]ona3       ,yet ( !     
tw(old life he l$        ,9 *a9less     
?\ght & fett]$ w        ,"s glimpses    
rea* u1--some:at /ill      ,( ! /eep    
/airs & bitt] bread1--        ,( ! s\l's
 que/ ^: /]n av[        ,= ye>s _h made 
him hagg>d n[4  ,i am s5sible ( !       

difficulty & delicacy ( ! task ,i h     
und]tak51 involv+1 z x does1 _m int]e/s 
& issues2 & 9 e ref]5ce to surviv+      
relatives z well z to o!r p]sons n[     
liv+1 ) :om ,rossetti 0 9 any way alli$1
 ,i h ex]cis$ 9 all fri5dl9ess ! be/    
judgm5t at my comm&4  ,clem5t's ,inn1   
,octob] #ahhb4       999999 ,x has n be5
 ?\ght necess>y to atta* dates to !     
lett]s pr9t$ 9 ?is volume1 = n only w\ld
 !      difficulty ( do+ s be great1 ow+
 to ! fact t      ,rossetti r>ely dat$ 8
 lett]s1 b ! utility ( dates      9 su* 
a case w\ld be d\btful1 because !       
sub/ance (      :at is said is (t5 q    
imp]sonal1 &1 :]e      o!rwise1 is almo/
 indep5d5t ( ! "t ( production4      ,x 
may be suffici5t to say t ! lett]s 7    
writt5 9      ! ye>s #ahgi1ahhj1 &      
#ahha4     ,,cont5ts   ,,*apt] ,i4      
,gabriele ,rossetti--,boyhood--,!       
pre-,raphaelite ,movem5t--,e>ly         
,manhood--,! ,bless$                    
,damozel--,j5ny--,si/] ,hel5--,!        
,translations--,! ,h\se ( ,life--,!     

,g]m--,ox=d & ,cambridge                
,magaz9e--,blackfri>s ,bridge--,m>ri$   
,life   ,,*apt] ,,ii4                   
,*elsea--,*loral--,dante's              
,dream--,recov]y ( ! ,poems--,poems--,! 
,contempor>y ,controv]sy--,mr4 ,!odore  
,watts--,rose ,m>y--,! ,:ite ,%ip--,!   
,k+'s ,trag$y--,poetic                  
,cont9uations--,cl\d                    
,conf9es--,j\rnali/ic ,sl&]s   ,,*apt]  
,,iii4  ,e>ly ,int]c\rse--,poetic       
,impulses--,beg9n+ (                    
,correspond5ce--,e>ly ,lett]s   ,,*apt] 
,,iv4  ,in$it$ ,poems--,in$it$          
,ballads--,additions to ,si/] ,hel5--,h&
 & ,s\l--,/4 ,agnes (                   
,int]cession--,ca?olic                  
,op9ion--,rossetti's ,ca?olicism--,cl\d 
,conf9es--,! ,portrait   ,,*apt] ,v4    
,col]idge--,wordswor?--,lamb &          
,col]idge--,*>les ,wells--,keats--,leigh
 ,hunt & ,keats--,keats's ,si/]         
,,*apt] ,,vi4  ,*att]ton--,oliv] ,madox 
,br[n--,gil*ri/'s ,blake--,george       
,gilfillan--,old ,p]iodicals--,a ,ru/ic 

,poet--,art & ,politics--,lett]s 9      
,biography   ,,*apt] ,,vii4  ,*eyne     
,walk--,! ,h\se--,fir/                  
,meet+--,rossetti's ,p]sonality--,8     
,read+--,! ,pa9t]'s ,craft--,mr4        
,rusk9--,rossetti's ,s5sitiv5ess--,8    
,g>d5--,8 ,libr>y   ,,*apt] ,,viii4     
,engli% ,sonnets--,sonnet               
,/ructure--,%akspe>e's                  
,sonnets--,wells's ,sonnet--,*>les      
,:itehead--,eb5ez] ,jones--,mr4 ,w4 ,m4 
,rossetti--,a ,new ,sonnet--,mr4 ,w4    
,davies--,canon ,dixon--,miss ,*ri/9a   
,rossetti--,! ,bride's ,prelude--,!     
,sup]natural 9 ,poetry   ,,*apt] ,,ix4  
,la/ ,days--,vale ( ,/ ,john--,9 ! ,lake
 ,c\ntry--,return to                    
,london--,london--,bir*+ton             
,,recollections ,,( ,,dante ,,gabriel   
,,rossetti     ,,*apt] ,i4  ,dante      
,gabriel ,rossetti 0 ! elde/ son (      
,gabriele ,rossetti & ,frances          
,polidori1 daught] ( ,alfi]i's secret>y1
 & si/] ( ! "y physician :o travell$ )  
,"l ,byron4 ,gabriele ,rossetti 0 a     

native ( ,ya/o1 9 ! di/rict ( !         
,abruzzi1 k+dom ( ,naples4 ,he 0 a      
patriotic poet ( v consid]able          
di/9ction2 &1 z a politician1 took a "p 
9 extort+ f ,f]d9& ,i4 ! ,con/itution ( 
#ahbj4 ,aft] ! failure ( ! ,neapolitan  
insurrection1 ow+ to ! trea*]y ( ! ,k+  
7:o ask$ leave ( abs5ce on a pretext (  
ill-heal?1 & return$ ) an ov]:elm+      
,au/rian army71 ! insurrectioni/s 7     
compell$ to fly4 ,"s ( !m fell victims2 
o!rs lay long 9 concealm5t4 ,rossetti 0 
"o ( ! latt]2 &1 :ile he 0 9 hid+1 ,sir 
,graham ,moore1 ! ,engli% admiral1 0 ly+
 ) an ,engli% fleet 9 ! bay4 ,! wife ( !
 admiral _h long be5 a w>m admir] ( !   
patriotic hymns ( ,rossetti1 &1 :5 %e   
le>n$ 8 dang]1 %e prevail$ ) h] husb& to
 make ef=ts to save him4 ,sir ,graham   
!reupon set out ) ano!r ,engli% (fic] to
 ! place ( concealm5t1 habit$ ! poet 9  
an ,engli% uni=m1 plac$ him betwe5 !m 9 
a c>riage1 & put him abo>d a %ip t sail$
 next day to ,malta1 :]e he obta9$ !    
fri5d%ip ( ! gov]nor1 ,john ,hookham    

,fr]e1 by ^: ag5cy valuable             
introductions 7 procur$1 & ultimately   
,rossetti e/abli%$ himself 9 ,engl&4    
,arriv$ 9 ,london ab\t #ahbc1 he liv$ a 
*e]ful life z an exile1 ?\gh depriv$ ( !
 advantages ( 8 ,italian reputation4 ,he
 m>ri$ 9 #ahbf1 & 8 elde/ son 0 born    
,may #ab1 #ahbh1 9 ,*>lotte ,/reet1     
,portl& ,place1 ,london4 ,he 0 appo9t$  
,pr(essor ( ,italian at ,k+'s ,college1 
& di$ 9 #ahed4 ,8 h\se 0 = ye>s !       
con/ant resort ( ,italian refugees2 & ! 
son us$ to say t x 0 f obs]vation ( ^!  
visitors ( 8 fa!r t he depict$ !        
pr9cipal p]sonage ( 8 ,la/ ,confession4 
,he did n live to see ! return+ glories 
( 8 c\ntry or ! consummation we h       
witness$ ( t great movem5t f\nd$ ^u !   
pr9ciples = :i* he f\ght & suff]$4 ,8   
pres5t position 9 ,italy z a poet &     
patriot is a high "o1 a m$al hav+ be5   
/ruck 9 8 hon\r4 ,an ef=t is ev5 n[     
afoot to erect a /atue to him 9 8 native
 place1 & "o ( ! la/ occasions ^u :i* ! 
son put p5 to pap] 0 :5 try+ to make a  

rem9isc5t r\gh portrait = ! use ( !     
sculptor4 ,gabriele ,rossetti sp5t 8 la/
 ye>s 9 ! /udy ( ,dante1 & 8 works on ! 
subject are unique1 exhibit+ a peculi>  
view ( ,dante's conception ( ,beatrice1 
:i* he believ$ to be purely ideal1 &    
employ$ solely = purposes ( speculative 
& political disquisition4 ,some?+ ( ?is 
int]pretation 0 fix$ und\bt$ly ^u !     
p]sonage by ,dante himself 9 8 lat]     
writ+s1 b :e!r ! *ange 7 ! result ( a   
matur] & m complicat$ /ate ( ?\ght1 &   
:e!r ! real & ideal *>act]s ( ,beatrice 
may n be compatible1 are que/ions :i* ! 
poetic m9d w n consid] x possible to    
decide4 ,col]idge1 no d\bt1 took a fair 
view ( ,rossetti's !ory :5 he said3     
8,rossetti's view ( ,dante's mean+ is 9 
great "p j1 b he has pu%$ x beyond all  
b\nds ( common s5se4 ,h[ c\ld a poet--& 
su* a poet z ,dante--h writt5 ! details 
( ! allegory z conjectur$ by ,rossetti8 
,! b\nd>ies betwe5 8 allegory & 8 pure  
picturesque are pla9 en\gh1 ,i ?9k1 at  
fir/ read+40 ,x 01 d\btless1 due to 8   

devotion to /udies ( ! ,flor5t9e t      
,gabriele ,rossetti nam$ aft] him 8     
elde/ son4  ,dante ,gabriel ,rossetti1  
^: full baptismal "n 0 ,gabriel ,*>les  
,dante1 0 educat$ pr9cipally at ,k+'s   
,college ,s*ool1 ,london1 & !re atta9$  
to a mod]ate pr(ici5cy 9 ! ord9>y       
classical s*ool-le>n+1 besides a k (    
,fr5*1 :i* ?r\gh\t life he spoke well4  
,he le>n$ at home "s rudim5t>y ,g]man2  
,italian he _h acquir$ at a v e>ly age4 
,!re has always be5 "s playful m5tion ( 
c]ta9 trag$ies & translations ^u :i* he 
ex]cis$ himself f ! ages ( five to      
fifte5 ye>s2 b x is h>dly necess>y to   
say t he himself nev] atta*$ value to ^!
 ef=ts ( 8 precocity2 he ev5 display$1  
occasionally1 a little irritation ^u    
he>+ !m spok5 ( z rem>kable y\?ful      
a*ievem5ts4  ,"o ( ^! productions ( 8   
adolesc5ce1 ,sir ,hugh ! ,h]on1 has be5 
s frequ5tly allud$ to1 t x seems        
necess>y to tell ! /ory ( x1 z ! au?or  
himself1 9 conv]sation1 0 accu/om$ to d4
 ,at ab\t twelve ye>s ( age1 ! "y poet  

wrote a scrap ( a poem "u ?is title1 &  
!n ca/ x aside4 ,8 gr&fa!r1 ,polidori1  
_h se5 ! fragm5t1 h[ev]1 & _h conceiv$ a
 mu* high] op9ion ( its m]its ?an ev5 ! 
natural vanity ( ! "y au?or himself     
p]mitt$ him to ent]ta94 ,x _h !n become 
"o ( ! gr&fa!r's amusem5ts to set up an 
amateur pr9t+-press 9 8 own h\se1 &     
occupy 8 leisure 9 publi%+ little       
volumes ( orig9al v]se = semi-public    
circulation4 ,he urg$ 8 gr&son to f9i% !
 poem 9 "q1 promis+ x1 9 a complet$     
/ate1 ! dignity & di/9ction ( type4     
,prompt$ by hope ( ?is hi!rto unexpect$ 
rew>d1 ,rossetti--!n ?irte5 to f\rte5   
ye>s ( age--f9i%$ ! juv5ile epic1 & "s  
b\nd copies ( x got abroad4 ,no m 0     
?\ght ( ! matt]1 & 9 due "t ! little b>d
 _h =gott5 t he _h ev] done x4 ,b :5 a  
g5u9e di/9ction _h be5 e>n$ by poetry t 
0 9 no way immature1 ,rossetti discov]$1
 by ! gratuit\s revelation ( a fri5d1 t 
a copy ( ! y\?ful production--privately 
pr9t$ & nev] publi%$--0 actually 9 !    
libr>y ( ! ,briti% ,museum4 ,amaz$1 &   

inde$ appall$ z he 0 by ?is disclosure1 
he 0 p[]less to rem$y ! evil1 :i* he    
=esaw w\ld "s day lead to ! poem be+    
une>!d to 8 injury1 & pr9t$ z a "p ( 8  
"w4 ,! utmo/ he c\ld d to av]t ! ?reat5$
 mis*ief he did1 & ?is 0 to make an     
entry 9 a commonplace-book :i* he kept =
 su* uses1 expla9+ ! orig9 & hi/ory ( ! 
poem1 & express+ a conviction t x seem$ 
to him to be rem>kable only f its entire
 paucity ( ev5 ord9>y poetic promise4 ,b
 :ile ?is 0 indubitably a j e/imate ( ^!
 boyi% ef=ts1 x is no d\bt true1 z we   
%all pres5tly see1 t ,rossetti's g5ius  
matur$ itself e>ly 9 life4  ,:il/ /ill a
 *ild1 8 love ( lit]ature exhibit$      
itself1 & a /ory is told ( a disa/]     
occurr+ to him1 :5 r less ?an n9e ye>s (
 age1 :i* af=ds amus+ pro( ( ! ard\r ( 8
 poetic nature4 ,^u go+ ) 8 bro!r &     
si/]s to ! h\se ( 8 gr&fa!r1 :]e z      
*ildr5 !y occupi$ !mselves ) sports     
appropriate to _! ye>s1 he propos$ to   
improvise a "p ( a sc5e f ,o!llo1 & ca/ 
himself = ! pr9cipal rle4 ,! sc5e       

select$ 0 ! clos+ "o ( ! play1 & began )
 ! spee* deliv]$ to ,lodovico1 ,montano1
 & ,gratiano1 :5 !y are ab\t to take    
,o!llo prison]4 ,rossetti us$ to say t  
he deliv]$ ! l9es 9 a fr5zy ( boyi%     
excitem5t1 & com+ to ! words--          
,set y d[n ?is3      ,& say1 besides1--t
 9 ,aleppo once1        ,:]e a malignant
 & a turban'd ,turk        ,beat a      
,v5etian1 & traduc$ ! /ate1        ,i   
took by ! ?roat ! circumcis$ dog1       
,& smote him--?us6--  he snat*$ up an   
iron *isel1 t lay some:]e at h&1 &1 to !
 con/]nation ( 8 companions1 smote      
himself ) all 8 might on ! *e/1 inflict+
 a w\nd f :i* he bl$ & fa9t$4  ,he is   
describ$ by ^? :o rememb] him1 at ?is   
p]iod1 z a boy ( a g5tle & affectionate 
nature1 albeit prone to outbur/s (      
ma/]fulness4 ,! e>lie/ exi/5t portraits 
repres5t a comely y\?1 hav+ r$undant    
auburn hair curl+ all r\nd ! head1 &    
eyes & =ehead ( extraord9>y beauty4 ,x  
is said t he 0 brave & manly (          
temp]am5t1 c\rage\s z to p]sonal suff]+1

 em95tly solicit\s ( ! welf>e ( o!rs1 & 
k9d & consid]ate to99su* z he _h claims 
^u4 ,?is is no d\bt true portraiture1 b 
x mu/ be /at$ 7h[ev] op5 to explanation1
 on gr\nds ( laudable                   
self-depreciation71 t x is n ! picture  
:i* he himself us$ to pa9t ( 8 "* z a   
boy4 ,he (t5 describ$ himself z be+     
de/itute ( p]sonal c\rage :5 at s*ool1 z
 %r9k+ f ! amusem5ts ( s*oolfell[s1 &   
fe>ful ( _! qu>rels2 n :olly )\t g5]\s  
impulses1 b1 9 ! ma91 selfi% ( nature & 
reclusive 9 habit ( life4 ,he 0 c]ta9ly 
free f ! mean+less affectation--= su* x 
too frequ5tly is--( repres5t+ 8         
s*ool-days z ! happie/ ( 8 life4 ,if1   
aft] s mu* und]valu+ ( himself1 x 7     
possible to tru/ 8 e/imate ( 8 y\?ful   
"*1 he w\ld h _h y believe t s*ool 0 to 
him a place ( semi-purgatorial          
probation1--:i* no?+ b love ( 8 "m1 &   
desire to meet h] wi%es1 prev5t$ him1 z 
an irreclaimable antis*olia/1 f         
ob/9ately r5\nc+ at a "t :5 he _h le>n$ 
little ,lat91 & less ,greek4  ,hav+ f   

*ildhood %[n a prop5sity t[>ds pa9t+1 ! 
/rong incl9ation 0 fo/]$ by 8 p>5ts1 &  
art 0 look$ ^u z 8 future pr(ession4 ,^u
 leav+ s*ool ab\t #ahdc1 he /udi$ fir/  
at an art academy ne> ,b$=d ,squ>e1 &   
aft]w>ds at ! ,eoyal ,academy ,antique  
,s*ool1 nev]1 h[ev]1 go+ to ! ,eoyal    
,academy ,life ,s*ool4 ,he appe>s to h  
be5 an assidu\s /ud5t4 ,9 aft] life :5 8
 habit ( late ris+ _h become a /ock     
subject ( bant] among 8 intimate fri5ds1
 he w\ld tell ) unwont$ pride h[ 9 e>li]
 ye>s he us$ to rise at six ,a4,m4 once 
a week 9 ord] to att5d a life-class held
 be=e breakfa/4 ,on su* occasions he 0  
accu/om$1 he w\ld say1 to pur*ase a     
butt]$ roll & cup ( c(fee at "s /all at 
a /reet corn]1 s z n to dislocate       
dome/ic arrangem5ts by requir+ ! s]vants
 to get up 9 ! middle ( ! night4 ,he    
left ! ,academy ab\t #ahdh or #ahdi1 & 9
 ! latt] ye> exhibit$ 8 picture entitl$ 
! ,girlhood ( ,m>y ,virg94 ,?is pa9t+ is
 an admirable example ( 8 e>ly art1 be=e
 ! ,go?icism ( ! e>ly ,italian pa9t]s   

became 8 que/4 ,bett] kn[n to ! public  
?an ! picture is ! sonnet writt5 ^u x1  
conta9+ ! beautiful l9es--         ,an  
angel-wat]$ lily1 t ne> ,god            
,gr[s & is quiet4  ,:ile ,rossetti 0    
/ill "u age he associat$ ) ,j4 ,e4      
,millais1 ,holman ,hunt1 ,?omas ,wooln]1
 ,james ,coll9son1 ,f4 ,g4 ,/eph5s1 & 8 
bro!r1 ,w4 ,m4 ,rossetti1 9 ! movem5t   
call$ pre-,raphaelite4 ,at ! beg9n+ ( 8 
c>e] he recognis$1 9 common ) 8         
associates1 t ! contempor>y classicism  
_h run to se$1 & t1 beyond an ef=t aft] 
p]fection ( te*nique1 ! art ( ! p]iod 0 
all b devoid ( purpose1 ( ?\ght1        
imag9ation1 or spirituality4 ,at su* a  
mom5t x 0 matt] = little surprise t     
ard5t "y intellects %\ld g back =       
inspiration to ! ,go?icism ( ,giotto & !
 e>ly pa9t]s4 ,!re1 at lea/1 lay feel+1 
aim1 aspiration1 su* z did n conc]n     
itself prim>ily ) any "q ( :e!r a       
subject 7 pa9t$ well or ill1 if only x 7
 fir/ ( all a subject at all--a subject 
involv+ manipulative excell5ce1 p]haps1 

b feel+ & inv5tion c]ta9ly4 ,?is1 !n1   
/at$ briefly1 0 ! mean+ (               
pre-,raphaelitism4 ,! "n 7z %all h]eaft]
 appe>7 0 subsequ5tly giv5 to ! movem5t 
m ?an half 9 je/4 ,x has sometimes be5  
/at$ t ,mr4 ,rusk9 0 an initiator1 b ?is
 is n /rictly ! case4 ,! company ( "y   
pa9t]s & writ]s are said to h be5       
ignorant ( ,mr4 ,rusk9's writ+s :5 !y   
began _! revolt aga9/ ! curr5t          
classicism4 ,x is a fact h[ev]1 t1 aft] 
p]haps a c\ple ( ye>s1 ,mr4 ,rusk9 came 
to ! rescue ( ! little bro!rhood 7!n mu*
 malign$7 by writ+ 9 _! def5ce a lett] 9
 ! ,times4 ,x is easy to make too mu* ( 
^! e>ly endeav\rs ( a company ( "y m51  
exceptionally gift$ ?\gh ! re=m]s       
und\bt$ly 71 & inspir$ by an ennobl+    
en?usiasm4 ,9 lat] ye>s ,rossetti 0 n ! 
mo/ prom95t ( ^? :o kept ^! beg9n+s ( a 
movem5t con/antly 9 view2 inde$1 x is   
h>dly ra% to say t !re 7 mom5ts :5 he   
seem$ almo/ to res5t ! intrusion ( !m ^u
 ! maturity ( aim & h&l+ :i*1 9 common )
 8 bro!r arti/s1 he ultimately compass$4

 ,b x w\ld be folly n to recognise !    
ess5tial g]ms ( a "r aspiration :i* grew
 out ( t int]*ange ( feel+ & op9ion :i*1
 9 its concrete %ape1 came to be t]m$   
pre-,raphaelitism4 ,rossetti is         
ackn[l$g$ to h tak5 ! mo/ prom95t "p 9 !
 movem5t1 supply+1 x is alleg$1 mu* ( ! 
poetic impulse z well z k ( m$iaeval    
art4 ,he occupi$ himself 9 ^! & foll[+  
ye>s ma9ly 9 ! mak+ ( designs =         
pictures--! mo/ important ( !m be+      
,dante's ,dream1 ,hamlet & ,ophelia1    
,cass&ra1 ,lucretia ,borgia1 ,giotto    
pa9t+ ,dante's ,portrait1 ,! ,fir/      
,anniv]s>y ( ! ,dea? ( ,beatrice ,m>y   
,magdal5e at ! ,door ( ,simon !         
,ph>isee1 ,! ,dea? ( ,lady ,macbe?1     
,desdemona's ,dea?-song & a great       
subject entitl$ ,f\nd1 design$ & begun  
at tw5ty-five1 b left incomplete at     
dea?4  ,all ?is occurr$ betwe5 ! ye>s   
#ahdi-ahef1 b ?ree ye>s be=e ! e>li] (  
^! dates ,rossetti1 z a pa9t]1 _h come  
"u an influ5ce :i* he 0 nev] sl[ to     
ackn[l$ge op]at$ p[]fully on 8 art4 ,9  

#ahdf1 ,mr4 ,=d ,madox ,br[n exhibit$   
designs 9 ! ,we/m9/] competition1 & 8   
c>toons deeply impress$ ,rossetti ,! "y 
pa9t]1 !n n9ete5 ye>s ( age1 wrote to ! 
eld] "o1 8 s5ior by no m ?an sev5 ye>s1 
begg+ to be p]mitt$ to become a pupil4  
,an intimacy sprang up betwe5 ! two1 & =
 a :ile ,rossetti work$ 9 ,br[n's /udio2
 b ?\gh ! fri5d%ip la/$ ?r\gh\t life !  
pr(essional relation%ip soon t]m9at$4 ,!
 ard\r ( ! y\ng] man l$ him into        
!-bro!rhood j ref]r$ to1 b ,br[n nev]   
jo9$ ! pre-,raphaelites1 ma9ly1 x is    
said1 f dislike ( cot]ie t5d5cies4      
,ab\t #ahef1 ,rossetti1 ) two or ?ree   
o!r "y pa9t]s1 gratuit\sly und]took to  
pa9t designs on ! walls ( ! ,union      
,debat+ ,hall at ,ox=d1 & ab\t ! "t he 0
 engag$ ^u ?is task he made !           
acqua9tance ( ,mr4 ,william ,morris1    
,mr4 ,burne ,jones1 & ,mr4 ,sw9burne1 :o
 7 und]graduates at ! ,univ]sity4 ,mr4  
,burne ,jones 0 int5d$ = a cl]ical c>e]1
 b due to ,rossett's int]cession ,holy  
,ord]s 7 ab&on$1 to ! great ga9 (       

,engli% art4 ,he has m ?an once g5]\sly 
all[$ t he ow$ mu* to ,rossetti at !    
beg9n+ ( 8 c>e]1 f9d reg>d$ him to ! la/
 z lead] ( ! movem5t ) :i* 8 own "n is  
n[ s em95tly & di/9ctively associat$4   
,toge!r1 & ) ! co-op]ation ( ,mr4       
,william ,morris & ,canon ,dixon1 !y    
/>t$ & c>ri$ on = ab\t a ye> a mon?ly   
p]iodical call$ ,! ,ox=d & ,cambridge   
,magaz9e1 ( :i* ,canon ,dixon1 z "o ( ! 
projectors1 %all pres5tly tell ! hi/ory4
 ,at a subsequ5t p]iod ,mr4 ,burne      
,jones & ,rossetti1 toge!r ) ,mr4 ,madox
 ,br[n & "s ?ree o!rs1 associat$ ) ,mr4 
,morris 9 e/abli%+1 f ! smalle/ ( all   
possible beg9n+s1 ! trad+ firm n[ s well
 kn[n z ,morris & ,co41 & !y rema9$     
p>tn]s 9 ?is ent]prise d[n to ! ye>     
#ahgd1 :5 a dissolution took place1     
leav+ ! bus9ess 9 ! h&s ( ! g5tleman ^: 
"n x bore1 & ^: en]gy _h f ! fir/ be5   
ma9ly in/rum5tal 9 secur+ its success4  
,x may be said t almo/ f ! outset       
,rossetti view$ ! public exhibition (   
pictures z a di/ract+ practice4 ,except 

! ,girlhood ( ,m>y ,virg91 !            
,annunciation 0 almo/ ! only picture he 
exhibit$ 9 ,london1 ?\gh ?ree or f\r    
wat]-col\r draw+s 7 at an e>ly p]iod    
exhibit$ 9 ,liv]pool1 & ( ^!1 by a      
curi\s co9cid5ce1 "o 0 ! fir/ /udy = !  
,dante's ,dream1 :i* 0 pur*as$ by !     
corporation ( ! city )9 a few mon?s ( ! 
pa9t]'s dea?4 ,to sum up all t rema9s at
 ?is /age to say ( ,rossetti z a        
pictorial arti/ d[n to 8 ?irtie? ye>1 we
 may describe him 7z he lik$ be/ to he> 
himself describ$7 simply z a poetic     
pa9t]4 ,if he _h a special me?od1 x     
might be call$ a di/9ct poetic          
ab/raction1 toge!r ) a *oice ( m$iaeval 
subject1 & an ef=t aft] no less vivid   
r5d]+ ( nature ?an 0 f\nd 9 o!r pa9t]s4 
,) 8 e>ly designs 7! outcome ( su* a    
que/ z has be5 indicat$7 !re came1      
p]*ance1 arti/ic crudities en\gh1 b     
assur$ly !re came a great spirituality  
also4 ,by & by ,rossetti p]ceiv$ t he   
mu/ make n>r[] ! /ream ( 8 ef=t if he   
w\ld h x fl[ deep]2 & !n1 ?r\gh\t _m    

ye>s1 he p]fect$ 8 te*nical me?ods by   
ab&on+ complex subject-designs1 & conf9+
 himself to simple ?ree-qu>t]-l5g?      
pictures4 ,m %all be said on ?is po9t 9 
due c\rse4 ,already1 al?\gh unkn[n ?r\gh
 ! m$ium ( ! public picture-gall]y1 he 0
 recognis$ z ! lead] ( a s*ool ( ris+ "y
 arti/s ^: ecc5tricities 7 frequ5tly a  
!me ( discussion4 ,he nev] invit$       
publicity1 yet he 0 rapidly atta9+ to a 
prom95t position among pa9t]s4  ,8      
p]sonal "* 9 e>ly manhood is describ$ by
 fri5ds z "o ( peculi> manl9ess1        
g5iality1 & unselfi%ness4 ,x is said t1 
on "o occasion1 he put aside important  
"w ( 8 own 9 ord] to sp5d sev]al days 9 
! /udio ( a fri5d1 ^: gifts 7 q         
inconsid]able comp>$ ) 81 & ^: prospects
 7 all b hopeless1--help+ =w>d c]ta9    
pictures1 :i* 7 backw>d1 = =?com+       
exhibition4 ,_m simil> acts (           
self-sacrifice are /ill rememb]$ )      
gratitude by ^? :o 7 ! recipi5ts ( !m4  
,rossetti 0 k+ ( 8 circle1 & x mu/ be   
said1 t 9 all t prop]ly con/itut$ k+%ip1

 he took c>e to rule4 ,!re 0 !n a c]ta9 
det]m9ation ( purpose :i* occasionally  
_h ! look ( arbitr>9ess1 & sometimes1 x 
is alleg$1 a disreg>d ( oppos+ op9ion   
:i* p>took ( tyranny3 b :]e he>t & n    
head 7 9 "q1 he 0 assur$ly ! mo/ urbane 
& amiable ( mon>*s4 ,9 matt]s ( ta/e 9  
art1 or criticism 9 poetry1 he w\ld     
brook no opposition f any qu>t]2 nor did
 he ev] seem to be consci\s ( !         
unreasonabl5ess ( compell+ 8 associates 
to swall[ 8 op9ions z be+ absolute &    
f9al4 ,?is disposition to gov]n 8 circle
 co-exi/$1 h[ev]1 ) ! mo/ lavi%         
appreciation ( e good quality display$  
by ! memb]s ( x1 & all ! little         
uneas9ess to :i* 8 absolutism may       
sometimes h giv5 rise 0 mu* m ?an remov$
 by con/antly recurr+ acts (            
good-fell[%ip1--inde$ x 0 =gott5 9 !    
pres5ce ( !m4  ,a photograph :i* exi/s (
 ,rossetti at tw5ty-sev5 conveys ! idea 
( a nature r au/]e & taciturn ?an g5ial 
& outspok54 ,! face is long & ! *eeks   
sunk51 ! :ole figure be+ att5uat$ &     

slightly /oop+2 ! eyes h ! inw>d look   
:i* belong$ to !m 9 lat] life1 b ! m\?1 
:i* is free f ! concealm5t ( m\/a*e or  
be>d1 is sev]e4 ,! impression convey$ is
 ( a p[]ful intellect & ambiti\s nature 
at w> ) surr\nd+s & n :olly satisfi$ ) !
 results4 ,x ought to be add$ t1 at !   
p]iod 9 "q1 heal? 0 unc]ta9 ) ,rossetti3
 & ?is fact1 add$ to ! circum/ance ( 8  
be+ at ! "t 9 ! v ?roes ( ^?            
difficulties ) 8 art :i* he 0 soon to   
surm\nt1 mu/ be und]/ood to acc\nt = !  
au/]ity ( 8 e>ly portrait4 ,rossetti 0 n
 9 a di/9ct s5se a hum\ri/1 b !re came  
to him at int]vals1 9 e>li] manhood1 ^? 
outbur/s ( volatility1 :i*1 to s]i\s    
natures1 act z safety-valves aft]       
prolong$ t5sion ( all ! p[]s ( ! m9d4   
,at su* mom5ts ( levity he is describ$ z
 almo/ boyi% 9 recklessness1 plung+ into
 any madcap escapade t might be afoot ) 
he$lessness ( all consequ5ces4 ,/ories (
 misadv5tures1 quips & quiddities ( e   
k9d1 7 !n 8 delight1 & ( ^! he possess$ 
a fund :i* no man knew bett] h[ to use4 

,he w\ld tell a funny /ory ) wond]ful _s
 & fre%ness ( res\rce1 always lead+ up  
to ! po9t ) wat*ful c>e ( ! f9e/ %ades (
 cov]t sugge/ion or innu5do1 &1 :5 !    
climax 0 rea*$1 nev] d5y+ himself a     
he>ty %>e 9 ! univ]sal laught]4 ,"o ( 8 
*oice/ pleasures at a d9n] or o!r su*   
ga!r+ 0 to improvise rhymes on 8 fri5ds1
 & ( ^! ! fun usually lay 9 !           
improvisatore's audaci\s ascription ( j 
^? qualities :i* 8 subject did n        
possess4 ,?\gh f> f devoid ( worldly    
wisdom1 & inde$ possess$ ( n a little   
%rewdness 9 8 deal+s ) 8 buy]s 7(t5     
exhibit+ t r>e/ quality ( ! successful  
trad]1 ! art ( l9k+ "o transaction )    
ano!r71 he 0 sometimes amus+ly defici5t 
9 :at is kn[n z common s5se4 ,9 lat]    
life he us$ to tell ) inf9ite ze/ a /ory
 ( a blund] ( e>li] ye>s :i* might      
easily h l$ to s]i\s if n fatal results4
 ,he _h be5 suff]+ f n]v\s exhau/ion &  
_h be5 ord]$ to take a prep>ation ( nux 
vomica4 ,! dose 0 to be tak5 ?ree times 
daily3 9 ! morn+1 at noon1 & 9 ! ev5+4  

,"o aft]noon he 0 ab\t to />t out = !   
h\se ( a fri5d ) :om he _h promis$ to   
lun*1 :5 he rememb]$ t he _h n tak5 8   
fir/ daily dose ( m$ic9e4 ,he =?) took  
x1 & ^u sett+ d[n ! glass1 reflect$ t ! 
second dose 0 due1 & s he took t also4  
,putt+ on 8 hat & prep>+ to sally =? he 
fur!r reflect$ t be=e he c\ld return !  
?ird dose ought 9 ord9>y c\rse to be    
tak51 & s )\t m delib]ation he p\r$     
himself a f9al portion & drank x (f4 ,he
 _h !reupon sc>cely turn$ himself ab\t1 
:5 to 8 horror he discov]$ t 8 limbs 7  
gr[+ rigid & 8 jaw /iff4 ,9 ! utmo/     
agitation he tri$ to walk across ! /udio
 & f\nd himself almo/ incapable ( !     
ef=t4 ,8 eyes seem$ to leap out ( _!    
sockets & 8 sight grew dim4 ,appall$ & 9
 agony1 he at l5g? sprang up f ! c\* ^u 
:i* he _h dropp$ d[n a mom5t be=e1 & fl$
 out ( ! h\se4 ,! viol5t action spe$ily 
induc$ a copi\s p]spiration1 & ?is be+  
by mu* ! be/ ?+ t c\ld h happ5$ to him1 
c>ri$ (f ! poison & s sav$ 8 life4 ,he  
c\ld nev] aft]w>ds be induc$ to return  

to ! drug 9 "q1 & 9 ! la/ ye> ( 8 life 0
 probably m fe>fully agha/ at see+ !    
pres5t writ] take a h>mless dose ( x ?an
 he w\ld h be5 at le>n+ t #ej gra9s (   
*loral _h be5 tak54  ,he _h1 9 e>ly     
manhood1 ! ke5e/ reli% ( a funny prank1 
& "o su* he us$ to act ov] aga9 9 aft]  
life ) ! greate/ vivacity ( mann]4 ,e "o
 rememb]s ! /ory told by ,jeff]son ,hogg
 h[ ,%elley got rid ( ! old woman ) !   
onion basket :o took a place beside him 
9 a /age coa* 9 ,sussex1 by seat+       
himself on ! floor & fix+ a te>ful1 w(ul
 face ^u 8 companion1 address+ h] 9     
?rill+ acc5ts ?us--       ,= heav5's    
sake1 let u sit ^u ! gr\nd1      ,& tell
 sad /ories ( ! dea? ( k+s4  ,rossetti's
 frolic 0 ak9 to ?is1 ?\gh ! results 7  
amus+ly diff]5t4 ,x w\ld appe> t :5 9   
e>ly ye>s1 ,mr4 ,william ,morris & ,mr4 
,burne ,jones occupi$ a /udio toge!r1 !y
 _h a "y s]vant maid ^: mann]s 7        
p]5nially vivaci\s1 ^: good spirits no  
disa/] c\ld damp1 & ^: p]tness no?+ c\ld
 bani% or *eck4 ,rossetti conceiv$ !    

idea ( fright5+ ! girl out ( h]         
complac5cy1 & call+ "o day on 8 fri5ds1 
he affect$ ! dire/ madness1 /rutt$      
om9\sly up to h] & ) ! wilde/ gl>e ( 8  
wild eyes1 ! firme/ & fi]ce/ sett+ ( 8  
l[] lip1 & began 9 measur$ & resonant   
acc5ts to recite ! l9es--       ,%all ! 
hide ( a fi]ce lion      ,be /ret*$ on a
 c\* ( wood1      ,= a daught]'s foot to
 lie on1      ,/a9$ ) a fa!r's blood8   
,! poet's response is a s(t 8,ah1 no60 b
 ! girl1 ignorant ( c\rse ( ?is1 & :olly
 undi/urb$ by ! blood?ir/y tone ( ! "q  
address$ to h]1 calmly fix$ h] eyes on !
 fr5zi$ eyes be=e h]1 & answ]$ ) a swift
 light acc5t & rippl+ laugh1 8,x %all if
 y l1 sir60 ,rossetti's enjoym5t ( 8    
discomfiture on ?is occasion seem$ nev] 
to gr[ less4  ,8 life 0 tw(old 9        
intellectual ef=t1 & ( ! directions 9   
:i* 8 en]gy w5t out ! arti/ic alone has 
?us f> be5 dealt )4 ,x has be5 said t he
 e>ly display$ tal5t = writ+ z well z   
pa9t+1 &1 9 tru?1 ! poems t he wrote 9  
e>ly y\? are ev5 m rem>kable ?an !      

pictures t he pa9t$4 ,8 poetic g5ius    
develop$ rapidly aft] sixte51 & sprang  
at once to a s+ul> & p]fect maturity4 ,x
 is difficult to say :e!r x w add to !  
m>vel ( mature a*ievem5t or d$uct f !   
s5se ( reality ( p]sonal exp]i5ce1 to   
make public ! fact t ,! ,bless$ ,damozel
 0 writt5 :5 ! poet 0 no m ?an n9ete54  
,t poem is a creation s pure & simple 9 
! high] imag9ation1 z to support !      
cont5tion t ! au?or 0 electively relat$ 
to ,fra ,angelico4 ,describ$ briefly1 x 
may be said to embody ! m$itations ( a  
beautiful girl 9 ,p>adise1 ^: lov] is 9 
! same h\r dream+ ( h] on e>?4 ,h[ !    
poet light$ ^u ! conception %all be told
 by himself 9 t portion ( ?is book      
devot$ to ! writ]'s p]sonal             
recollections4  ,! ,bless$ ,damozel is a
 conception dilat$ to su* spiritual     
lovel9ess t x seems n to exi/ )9 ?+s    
sub/antially beautiful1 or yet by aid ( 
images t coalesce out ( ! evolv+ memory 
( !m1 b outside ( ev]y?+ actual ,x is n 
m]ely t ! dream itself is "o ( ideal    

purity2 ! wave ( impulse is pure1 & fl[s
 )\t ta9t ( m$ia t seem almo/ to "k x n4
 ,! lady says3--       ,we two w lie i' 
! %ad[ (         ,t liv+ my/ic tree     
,)9 ^: secret gr[? ! ,dove         ,is  
sometimes felt to be1      ,:ile e leaf 
t ,8 plumes t\*         ,sai? ,8 ,"n    
audibly4  ,"h ! love involv$ is s       
e!realis$ z sc>cely to be call$ human1  
save only on ! "p ( ! mortal dream]1 9  
^: ye>n+ ec/asy ! e> ?9ks x recognises a
 m e>?ly note4 ,! lov] rejo9s4--        
7,alas6 ,we two1 we two1 ?\ say'/6      
,yea1 "o wa/ ?\ ) me      ,t once ( old4
 ,b %all ,god lift         ,to endless  
unity      ,! s\l ^: lik5ess ) ?y s\l   
,0 b its love = !e87  ,x is said ( ! few
 exi/5t examples ( ! art ( ,giorgione t1
 ar\nd "s c5tral realisation ( human    
passion ga!rs always a l&scape :i* is n 
m]ely h>monis$ to x1 b a "p ( x1 %>+ !  
joy or ! angui%1 ly+ sil5t to !         
brea?less adoration1 or e*o+ ! raptur\s 
voice ( ! full pleasure ( ^? :o are     
beyond all height & dep? m ?an x4       

,some?+ ( ?is passive sympa?y ( environ+
 objects comes out 9 ! poem3            
,ar\nd h]1 lov]s1 newly met             
#8,mid dea?less love's acclaims1        
,spoke ev]more among !mselves           
,_! raptur\s new names2      ,& ! s\ls  
m\nt+ up to ,god         ,w5t by h] l ?9
 flames4       ,& /ill %e b[$ h]self &  
/oop$         ,out ( ! circl+ *>m2      
,until h] bosom mu/ h made         ,! b>
 %e lean$ on w>m1      ,& ! lilies lay z
 if asleep         ,along h] b5d$ arm4  
,! s5se induc$ by su* imag]y is ak9 to t
 :i* comes ( rapt contemplation ( ! deep
 em-blazon+s ( a f9e /a9$ w9d[ :5 !     
sun's w>m gules glides (f be=e ! dim    
twilight4 ,& ?is s5se z ( a ?+ exi/5t1  
yet pass+ /eal?ily out ( all sight away1
 ! metre ( ! poem helps to fo/]4 ,o!r   
metres ( ,rossetti's h a /r5u\s reality1
 & rejoice 9 _! self-ass]tiv5ess1 &     
seem1 almo/1 9 _! resonant /r5g?1 to    
tell !mselves !y are v good2 b ?is may  
almo/ be said to be a disembodi$ voice1 
t lives only on ! air1 &1 l ! song ( a  

bird1 is gone be=e its acc5ts h be5     
caught4 ,( ! f\r-&-tw5ty /anzas ( !     
poem1 none is m calmly musical ?an ?is3 
,:5 r\nd 8 head ! aureole cl+s1         
,& he is clo!d 9 :ite1       ,i #8ll    
take 8 h& & g ) him         ,to ! deep  
wells ( light2       ,we w /ep d[n z to 
a /ream1         ,& ba! !re 9 ,god's    
sight4  ,p]haps ,rossetti nev] did any?+
 m beautiful & spiritual ?an ?is little 
"w ( 8 tw5tie? ye>2 & m ?an once 9 lat] 
life he pa9t$ ! beautiful lady :o is !  
subject ( x1 ) ! lilies ly+ along h]    
arm4  ,a fir/ draft ( ,j5ny 0 /ruck (f  
:5 ! poet 0 sc>cely m ?an a boy1 & tak5 
up aga9 ye>s aft]w>ds1 & almo/ entirely 
re-writt5--! only notable passage ( !   
e>ly poem t n[ rema9s be+ ! passage on  
lu/4 ,x is be/ describ$ 9 ! simple/     
phrase1 z a man's m$itations on ! life (
 a c\rtesan :om he has met at a         
danc+-g>d5 & accompani$ home4 ,:ile he  
sits on a c\*1 %e lies at 8 feet ) h]   
head on 8 knee & sleeps4 ,:5 ! morn+    
dawns he rises1 places cu%ions b5ea? h] 

head1 puts "s gold among h] hair1 &     
leaves h]4 ,x is wise/ to haz>d at !    
outset all unfav\rable comm5t by !      
franke/ /atem5t ( ! /ory ( ! poem4 ,b ! 
motif ( x is a mu* high] ?+4 ,j5ny      
embodies an entirely di/9ct phase (     
feel+1 yet ! poet's root impulse is !re9
 ! same z 9 ! case ( ,! ,bless$         
,damozel4 ,no two creations c\ld /& m   
widely ap>t z to outw>d features ?an !  
dream ( ! sa9t$ maid5 & ! reality ( !   
frail & fall5 girl2 yet ! prim>y prompt+
 & ! ultimate outcome are ! same4 ,!    
ard5t long+ aft] ideal purity 9         
womanhood1 :i* 9 ! "o gave bir? to a    
conception :]e( ! v sorr[ is b excess ( 
joy f\nd expression 9 ! o!r ?r\gh a     
vivid pres5tm5t ( ! nameless mis]y (    
unwomanly di%on\r3--       ,behold !    
lilies ( ! field1      ,!y toil n nei!r 
d !y sp92      7,s do? ! anci5t text    
beg91--      ,n ( su* re/ z "o ( ^! ,c  
%>e47      ,ano!r re/ & ease      ,along
 ea* summ]-sat$ pa?      ,f its new "l !
 g>d5 ha?1      ,?an t ^: spr+ 9 bless+s

 ran      ,:i* prais$ ! b\nte\s         
husb&man1      ,ere yet1 9 days ( hank]+
 brea?1      ,! lilies sick5$ unto dea?4
  ,x 0 inde$ a d>+ ?+ ! au?or propos$ to
 himself to d1 & assur$ly no man c\ld h 
essay$ x :o _h n consci\sly unit$ to an 
unfail+ & un%r9k+ insight1 a relativ5ess
 ( m9d su* z "r-he>t$ p might approve4  
,to take a fall5 woman1 a ciph] ( man's 
sum ( lu/1 bef\l$ ) ! %ameful k ( !     
/reets1 yet "y1 delicate1 8app>ell$     
beyond p>allel10 unbless$1 ) a beauty   
:i*1 if copi$ by a ,da ,v9ci's h&1 might
 /& :ole ages long 8= prea*+s ( :at ,god
 c d10 & !n to end[ su* a "o ) !        
s5sitiv5ess ( a poet's own m9d1 make h] 
read afre% z ?\gh by lightn+1 & 9 a     
dream1 t /ory ( ! old pure days--       
,mu* old] ?an any hi/ory       ,t is    
writt5 9 any book1  & la/ly1 to ga!r    
ab\t h] an ov]:elm+ s5se ( inf9ite      
solace = ! wrong$ & lo/1 & ( !          
retributive ju/ice ) :i* man's          
transgressions w be visit$--?is is1     
inde$1 to haz>d all ?+s 9 ! c]ta9ty ( an

 upright purpose & true rew>d4          
,%all no man hold 8 pride =ew>n'd       
,till 9 ! end1 ! ,day ( ,days1       ,at
 ,judgm5t1 "o ( 8 own race1       ,z    
frail & lo/ z y1 %all rise1--       ,8  
daught] ) 8 "m's eyes6  ,yet ,rossetti  
made no treaty ) puritanism1 & 9 ?is    
respect 8 ,j5ny has some?+ 9 common )   
,haw?orne's ,sc>let ,lett]--?an :i*     
no?+1 p]haps1 t is s pure1 )\t be+      
puritanical1 has rea*$ u ev5 f ! l& t   
gave ,evangel9e to ! ,engli% tongue4 ,! 
guilty love ( ,he/] ,prynne & ,ar?ur    
,dimmesdale is nev] = an in/ant condon$1
 b1 on ! o!r h&1 ! rigor\s sev]ity ( !  
old puritan community is n dwelt ^u )   
fav\r4 ,rel5tless remorse mu/ sp5d      
itself ^u ! man be=e ! :ole measure ( 8 
mis]y is full1 & on ! woman ! br& ( a   
public %ame mu/ be borne meekly to !    
end4 ,b ?\gh no ranc\r is %[n t[>ds !   
au/]e & bl9d morality :i* puts to op5   
dis*>ge ! guilty "m :il/ unconsci\sly   
n\ri%+ ! yet m guilty fa!r1 we see !    
t5d]ness ( a love t palliates ! bas5ess 

( ! am\r1 & ! bitt] dep?s ( a p5it5ce t 
_c be complete until x c no long] be    
conceal$4 ,& s ) ,j5ny4 ,%e may h       
transi5t fla%es ( remorseful            
consci\sness1 su* z reveal to h] !      
trackless leagues t sep>ate :at %e 0 f  
:at %e is1 b no ef=t is made to hide !  
pla9 tru? t %e is a c\rtesan1 skill$    
only 9 ! lures & artifices peculi> to h]
 %ameful function4 ,no re=matory        
prompt+s fit h] = a place at ! foot/ool 
( ! puritan4 ,no?+ tells ( w9t] yet2 on 
! o!r h&1 no virul5t diatribes are ca/  
=? aga9/ ! society t %uts ?is woman out1
 z ! puritan settlem5t turn$ its back on
 ,he/] ,prynne4 ,b we see h] & "k h] =  
:at %e is1 a woman l unto o!r wom53     
desecrat$ b ak94  ,?is dramatic quality 
( sitt+ half-passively above _!         
creations & ( leav+ _! e?ics to f9d _!  
own *annels 7once assur$ t _! impulses  
are pure71 ! poet & ! romanc] possess 9 
common4 ,if !re is a po9t ( diff]5ce    
betwe5 _! attitudes ( m9d1 x is :]e     
,rossetti seems to res]ve 8 :ole p]sonal

 feel+ = ! impea*m5t ( lu/2--       ,l a
 toad )9 a /one      ,seat$ :ile ,"t    
crumbles on2      ,:i* sits !re s9ce !  
e>? 0 curs$      ,= ,man's transgression
 at ! fir/2      ,:i*1 liv+ ?r\gh all   
c5turies1      ,n once has se5 ! sun    
arise2      ,^: life1 to its cold circle
 *>m$1      ,! e>?'s :ole summ]s h n    
w>m$2      ,:i* always--:i!rso ! /one   
,be flung--sits !re1 deaf1 bl9d1        
alone2--      ,ay1 & %all n be driv5 out
      ,till t :i* %uts him r\nd ab\t    
,break at ! v ,ma/]'s /roke1      ,& !  
du/ !re( vani% z smoke1      ,& ! se$ ( 
,man vani% z du/3--      ,ev5 s )9 ?is  
_w is ,lu/4  ,si/] ,hel5 0 writt5       
some:at lat] ?an ,! ,bless$ ,damozel & !
 fir/ draft ( ,j5ny1 & probably belong$ 
to ! poet's tw5ty-f\r? or tw5ty-fif?    
ye>4 ,! ballad involves a /ory (        
wit*craft ,a girl has be5 fir/ betray$ &
 !n des]t$ by h] lov]2 s1 to rev5ge     
h]self ^u him & 8 newly-m>ri$ bride1 %e 
burns 8 wax5 image ?ree days ov] a fire1
 & dur+ t "t he dies 9 torm5t ,9 ,si/]  

,hel5 we t\* ! key-note ( ,rossetti's   
creative gift4 ,ev5 ! sup]/ition :i* =ms
 ! basis ( ! ballad owes some?+ ( its   
individual "* to ! inv5tion & poetic    
bias ( ! poet4 ,! popul> sup]/itions ( !
 ,middle ,ages 7 usually ( two k9ds     
only4 ,fir/1 !re 7 ^? t arose out ( a   
jeal\s ,ca?olicism1 always glanc+ t[>ds 
h]esy2 & next !re 7 ^? t laid _! acc\nt 
nei!r ) or?odoxy nor unbelief1 & 7      
purely pagan4 ,! =m] 7 ! (fspr+ (       
fanaticism2 ! latt] ( an appeal to      
appetite or passion1 or fancy1 or p]haps
 intuitive reason direct$ bl9dly or     
unconsci\sly t[>ds natural ph5om5a4 ,!  
sup]/ition involv$ 9 ,si/] ,hel5 p>takes
 :olly ( nei!r "*1 b p>tly ( bo?1 ) an  
add$ elem5t ( demonology4 ,! gr\ndwork  
is ess5tially ca?olic1 ! burd5 ( !      
ballad %[+ t ! tragic ev5t lies betwe5  
,hell & ,heav53--                    7,o
 ,"m1 ,m>y ,"m1       ,?ree days to-day1
 betwe5 ,hell & ,heav567  ,b !          
sup]/ructural ov]gr[? is totally        
undi/urb$ by any animosity aga9/ h]esy1 

& is conc]n$ only ) a c]ta9 ultimate    
demoniacal ju/ice visit+ ! wrongdo]4    
,?us f> ! elem5tal tissue ( ! sup]/ition
 has some?+ 9 common ) t ( ! ,g]man     
secret tribunal ( ! /eel & cord2 ) ?is  
diff]5ce1 h[ev]1 t :]eas ! latt] puni%es
 9 secret1 ev5 z ! deity1 ! =m] makes   
consci\s compact ) ! p[]s ( evil1 t     
:atev] ju/ice %all be adm9i/]$ ^u !     
wick$ %all fir/ be pur*as$ by sacrifice 
( ! good4 ,si/] ,hel5 may burn1 alive1 !
 body & s\l ( h] betray]1 b ! dy+ knell 
t tells ( ! false s\l's untimely flight1
 tolls ! loss ( h] own s\l also3--      
8,ah6 :at :ite ?+ at ! door has cross'd1
             ,si/] ,hel58       ,ah6 :at
 is ?is t sighs 9 ! fro/60        8,a   
s\l t's lo/ z m9e is lo/1               
,little bro!r60              7,o ,"m1   
,m>y ,"m1       ,lo/1 lo/1 all lo/1     
betwe5 ,hell & ,heav567  ,"h lies !     
div]g5ce betwe5 ! l9es ( ?is & o!r      
compacts ) evil p[]s2 ?is is ! po9t (   
,rossetti's dep>ture f ! s*eme t =ms !  
und]plot ( ,goe!'s ,fau/1 & ( ,m>l[e's  

,fau/us1 & 0 int5d$ to con/itute ! plan 
( ,col]idge's ,mi*ael ,scott4 ,x has be5
 well said t ! !me ( ! ,fau/ is !       
consequ5ce ( a misology1 or hatr$ ( k1  
result+ ^u an orig9al ?ir/ = k baffl$4  
,fau/ nev] does f ! beg9n+ love k =     
itself1 b he loves x = ! means x af=ds =
 ! acquisition ( p[]4 ,?is base purpose 
defeats itself2 & :5 ,fau/ f9ds t le>n+ 
fails to yield him ! dom9ation he       
craves1 he hates & contemns x4 ,away1   
h5ce=?1 ) all pret5ce to k6 ,!n foll[s !
 compact1 ! articles to :i* are absolute
 s]vility ( ! ,devil on ! "o "p1 &      
complete possession ( ! s\l ( ,fau/ on !
 o!r4 ,fau/ is little bett] ?an a wiz>d 
f ! fir/1 = if k _h giv5 him :at he3    
s\ght1 he _h nev] _h rec\rse to         
wit*craft6 ,hel51 h[ev]1 p>takes 9 "s   
sort ( ! triumphant nobility ( an av5g+ 
deity :o has coz5$ hell itself1 & n 9   
va94 ,9 ! :ole maje/y ( h] great wrong1 
%e loses ! orig9ally vulg> "* ( ! wit*4 
,x is n z ! consequ5ce ( a poison-speck 
9 h] own he>t t %e has rec\rse to       

sorc]y4 ,%e does n love wit*]y = its own
 sake2 %e loves x only z ! retributive  
*annel = ! requital ( a t]rible (f5ce4  
,x is ?r\gh\t ! la/ h\r ( h] ?ree-days' 
conflict1 m]ely1 t we see h]1 b we "k h]
 !n n m = ! rev5geful woman %e is ?an = 
! tru/ful maid5 %e has be54 ,:5 %e      
becomes consci\s ( ! treason wr\ght     
aga9/ h]1 we feel t %e suff]s *ange4 ,9 
! eyes ( o!rs we c see h]1 & 9 our      
vision ( h] %e is beautiful2 b h]s is ! 
beauty ( fair *eeks1 f :i* ! cank] frets
 ! s(t t5d]ness ( col\r1 ! lovel9ess (  
gold5 hair t has lo/ its radiance1 !    
sweetness ( eyes once dripp+ ) ! dews ( 
! _s1 n[ pale1 & cold1 & lu/reless4 ,v  
soon ! wrongdo] %all reap ! h>ve/ ( a   
tw(old injury3 ?is day ano!r bride %all 
/& by 8 side4 ,is !re1 !n1 no way to    
wreak ! j rev5ge ( a brok5 he>t8 ,t     
sugge/s sorc]y4 ,yes1 ! body & s\l ( !  
false lov] may melt z be=e a flame2 b ! 
price ( v5geance is horrible4 ,yet :y8  
,has n love become devili%8 ,is n life a
 curse8 ,!n :]e=e %r9k8 ,! resolute     

wrong$ woman mu/ g ?r\gh ) x4 ,& :5 !   
la/ h\r comes1 nature itself is port5t\s
 ( ! virul5t ill4 ,9 ! w9d's wake1 !    
moon flies ?r\gh a rack ( night cl\ds4  
,"o aft] "o ! suppliants crave p>don = !
 di/ant dy+ lov]1 & la/ ( ^! comes !    
?ree-days' bride4  ,9 addition to ! ?ree
 great poems j trav]s$1 ,rossetti _h    
writt51 be=e ! completion ( 8 tw5ty-six?
 ye>1 ,! ,/aff & ,scrip1 ,! ,burd5 (    
,n9eveh1 ,troy ,t[n1 ,ed5 ,b[] & ,! ,la/
 ,confession1 z well z a fragm5t ( ,!   
,bride's ,prelude1 to :i* x w be        
necess>y to return4 ,b1 ) a s+le        
exception1 ! poems j nam$ may be said to
 exi/ beside ! ?ree t h be5 analys$1 )\t
 be+ radically di/9ct f !m1 or t\*+     
high] or o!r levels1 & h5ce x is n      
consid]$ ne$ful to dwell ^u !m at l5g?4 
,! ,la/ ,confession cov]s ano!r range ( 
feel+1 x is true1 :]e( x may be said t !
 nobl] "p is ak9 to t :i* f9ds          
expression 9 ! pure & %att]$ love (     
,o!llo2 b x is a range ( feel+ less     
*>act]i/ical1 p]haps less indig5\s &    

appreciable4  ,9 ! ye>s #ahde-di        
inclusive1 ,rossetti made ! l>g] "p ( 8 
translations 7publi%$ 9 #ahfa7 f ! e>ly 
,italian poets1 & ?\gh he aft]w>ds spoke
 ( !m z hav+ be5 ! "w ( ! leisure mom5ts
 ( _m ye>s1 ( _! subsequ5t revision     
alone1 p]haps1 c\ld ?is be altoge!r     
true4 ,! ,vita ,nuova1 toge!r ) ! _m    
among ,dante's ,lyrics & ^? ( 8         
contempor>ies :i* elucidate _! p]sonal  
int]c\rse2 7 translat$1 z well z a great
 body ( ! sonnets ( poets lat] ?an      
,dante4 99 ,?is e>ly & indirect         
appr5tice%ip to ! sonnet1 z a =m (      
composition1 l$ to 8 becom+1 9 ! end1   
p]haps ! mo/ p]fect ( ,engli%           
sonnet-writ]s4 ,9 y\?1 x 0 "o ( 8       
pleasures to engage 9 ex]cises (        
sonnet-skill ) 8 bro!r ,william & 8 si/]
 ,*ri/9a1 &1 ev5 !n1 he atta9$ to su*   
pr(ici5cy1 9 ! m]e me*anism ( sonnet    
/ructure1 t he c\ld sometimes da% (f a  
sonnet 9 t5 m9utes--rivall+1 9 ?is      
p>ticul>1 ! impromptu productions (     
,h>tley ,col]idge4 ,x is h>dly necess>y 

to say t ! poems produc$1 "u su*        
conditions ( "t & o!r te/s1 7 r>ely1 if 
ev]1 adjudg$ wor?y ( publication1 by !  
side ( "w to :i* he gave adequate       
delib]ation4 ,b sev]al ( ! sonnets on   
pictures--z1 = example1 ! f9e "o on a   
,v5etian pa/oral by ,giorgione--& !     
political sonnet1 ,miltonic 9 _s1 ,on ! 
,refusal ( ,aid betwe5 ,nations1 7      
writt5 contemporane\sly ) ! exp]im5tal  
sonnets 9 "q4       99 ,rossetti (t5    
rem>k$ t he _h int5d$ to translate      
! sonnets ( ,mi*ael ,angelo1 until he   
saw ,mr4 ,symonds's      translation1 :5
 he 0 s mu* impress$ by its excell5ce   
t he =?) ab&on$ ! purpose4  ,z ,! ,h\se 
( ,life 0 compos$ 9 great "p at ! p]iod 
) :i* we are n[ deal+ 7?\gh publi%$ 9 ! 
complete sequ5ce ne>ly tw5ty-five ye>s  
lat]71 x may be be/ to trav]se x at ?is 
/age4 ,?\gh call$ a full s]ies (        
sonnets1 !re is no intimation t x is n  
fragm5t>y z to design2 ! title is an    
a/ronomical1 n an ar*itectural figure4  
,! "w is at once ,%akspe>ean &          

,dantesque4 ,:il/ electively ak9 to !   
,vita ,nuova1 x is broad] 9 range1 !    
life involv$ be+ life idealis$ 9 all    
phases4 ,:at ,rossetti's idea 0 ( !     
mission ( ! sonnet1 z associat$ ) life1 
& exhibit+ a similitude ( x1 may be/ be 
le>n$ f 8 prefatory sonnet3--      ,a   
,sonnet is a mom5t's monum5t1--         
,memorial f ! ,s\l's et]nity       ,to  
"o dead dea?less h\r4 ,look t x be1     
,:e!r = lu/ral rite or dire port5t1     
,( its own ardu\s fulness rev]5t3       
,c>ve x 9 ivory or 9 ebony1       ,z    
,day or ,night may rule2 & let ,"t see  
,its fl[]+ cre/ impe>l$ & ori5t4     ,a 
,sonnet is a co92 its face reveals      
,! s\l1--its conv]se1 to :at ,p[] #8tis 
due3--     ,:e!r = tribute to ! augu/   
appeals       ,( ,life1 or d[] 9 ,love's
 high ret9ue1     ,x s]ve2 or #8mid !   
d>k :>fs cav]n\s brea?1     ,9 ,*>on's  
palm x pay ! toll to ,dea?4  ,rossetti's
 sonnets are ( v>i$ metrical /ructure2 b
 _! intellectual /ructure is uni=m1     
compris+ 9 ea* case a fl[ & ebb ( ?\ght 

)9 ! limits ( a s+le conception4 ,9 ?is 
latt] respect !y h a "* almo/ peculi> to
 !mselves among ,engli% sonnets4        
,rossetti 0 n ! fir/ ,engli% writ] :o   
delib]atively sep>at$ octave & se/et1 b 
he 0 ! fir/ :o obey$ ?r\gh\t a s]ies (  
sonnets ! canon ( ! contempor>y /ructure
 requir+ t a sonnet %all pres5t ! tw(old
 facet ( a s+le ?\ght or emotion4 ,?is  
=m ( ! sonnet ,rossetti 0 at lea/ ! fir/
 among ,engli% writ]s entirely to a*ieve
 & p]fectly to r5d]4 ,! ,h\se ( ,life   
does n conta9 a sonnet :i* is n to "s   
degree in=m$ by su* an intellectual &   
musical wave2 b ! foll[+ is an example m
 ?an usually emphatic3      ,ev5 z a    
*ild1 ( sorr[ t we give         dead1 b 
little 9 8 he>t c f9d1         ,s9ce )\t
 ne$ ( ?\ght to 8 cle> m9d     ,_! turn 
x is to die & 8 to live3--     ,ev5 s ! 
w+$ ,new ,love smiles to receive        
,along 8 eddy+ plumes ! auroral w9d1    
,nor1 =w>d glory+1 ca/s "o look beh9d   
,:]e night-rack %r\ds ! ,old ,love      
fugitive4       ,!re is a *ange 9 e     

h\r's recall1         ,& ! la/ c[slip 9 
! fields we see         ,on ! same day )
 ! fir/ corn-poppy4      ,alas = h\rly  
*ange6 ,alas = all      ,! loves t f 8  
h& pr\d y\? lets fall1         ,ev5 z ! 
beads ( a told ros>y6  ,! di/+ui%+      
excell5ce ( craftsman%ip 9 ,rossetti's  
sonnets 0 e>ly recognis$2 b ! f]tility (
 ?\ght1 & range ( emotion compass$ by   
?is "p ( 8 "w con/itute an excell5ce f> 
high] ?an any t belongs to p]fection (  
=m1 rhy?m1 or metre4 ,mr4 ,palgrave has 
well said t a poet's /ory diff]s f a    
n>rative 9 be+ 9 itself a creation2 t x 
br+s its own facts2 t :at we h to ask is
 n ! true life ( ,laura1 b h[ f> ,petr>*
 has truly drawn ! life ( love4 ,s )    
,rossetti's sonnets4 ,!y may or may n be
 8occasional40 ,_m read]s :o ent] )     
sympa?y into ! s]ies ( feel+s !y pres5t 
w d\btless insi/ ^u reg>d+ !m z         
autobiographical4 ,o!rs1 :o ?9k !y see !
 /amp ( reality ^u !m1 w p]haps accept  
!m 7z ,hallam accept$ ! ,sonnets (      
,%akspe>e7 z witnesses ( excessive      

affection1 r$eem$ sometimes by t\*es (  
nobl] s5tim5ts--if affection1 h[ev]     
excessive1 ne$s to be r$eem$4 ,o!rs aga9
 w receive !m z arti/ic embodim5ts (    
ideal love ^u :i* is plac$ ! impr9t ( a 
passion z my?ical z !y believe to be    
atta*$ to ! autobiography ( ,dante's    
e>ly days4 ,b ! g5esis & hi/ory ( ^!    
sonnets 7:e!r ! emotion ) :i* !y are    
p]vad$ be actual or imag9$7 mu/ be look$
 = )94 ,d !y realise vividly ,life      
repres5tative 9 its _m phases ( love1   
joy1 sorr[1 & dea?8 ,x mu/ be conc$$ t  
he ,h\se ( ,life t\*es _m passions &    
depicts life 9 mo/ ( its *angeful       
aspects4 ,x w\ld af=d an adequate te/ ( 
its compreh5siv5ess to note h[ r>ely a  
m9d 9 g5]al sympa?y ) ! au?or c\ld come 
to its p]usal )\t alight+ ^u some?+ t   
w\ld be 9 h>mony ) its mood4 ,to trav]se
 ! "w ?r\gh its aspiration & =ebod+1    
joy1 grief1 remorse1 despair1 & f9al    
resignation1 w\ld involve a task too    
long & difficult to be attempt$ "h4 ,two
 sonnets only ne$ be quot$ z at once    

indicative ( ! range ( ?\ght & feel+    
cov]$1 & ( ! sequ5t relation ^! poems   
be> ea* to ea*4      ,by ?9e own te>s ?y
 song mu/ te>s beget1        ,s+]6      
,magic mirror ?\ ha/ none        ,except
 ?y manife/ he>t2 & save ?9e own        
,angui% or ard\r1 else no amulet4       
,ci/]n$ 9 ,pride1 v]se is ! fea!ry jet  
,( s\lless air-flung f\nta9s2 nay1 m dry
        ,?an ! ,dead ,sea = ?roats t    
?ir/ & sigh1     ,t song o'er :i* no    
s+]'s lids grew wet4      ,!            
,song-god--,he ! ,sun-god--is no slave  
,( ?9e3 ?y ,hunt] he1 :o = ?y s\l       
,fl$ges 8 %aft3 to ! augu/ control      
,( ?y skill$ h& 8 quiv]$ /ore he gave3  
,b if ?y lips' l\d cry leap to 8 sm>t1  
,! inspir$ record %all pi]ce ?y bro!r's 
he>t4  ,?is is n meant to convey ! same 
idea z ,%elley's 8le>n 9 suff]+10 etc41 
b m]ely t a poem mu/ move ! writ] 9 its 
composition if x is to move ! read]4  ,)
 ! foll[+ ,! ,h\se ( ,life is made to   
close3      ,:5 va9 desire at la/ & va9 
regret        ,g h& 9 h& to dea?1 & all 

is va91        ,:at %all assuage !      
un=gott5 pa9     ,& tea* ! un=getful to 
=get8      ,%all ,peace be /ill a sunk  
/ream long unmet1--        ,or may ! s\l
 at once 9 a gre5 pla9        ,/oop     
?r\gh ! spray ( "s sweet life-f\nta91   
,& cull ! dew-dr5*$ fl[]+ amulet8       
,ah6 :5 ! wan s\l 9 t gold5 air         
,betwe5 ! scriptur$ petals s(tly bl[n   
,pe]s brea?less = ! gift ( grace        
unkn[n1--     ,ah6 let none o!r ali5    
spell soe'er     ,b only ! "o ,hope's "o
 "n be !re1--        ,n less nor m1 b   
ev5 t ^w alone4  ,a writ] mu/ ne$s be   
loa? to "p f ?is section ( ,rossett's "w
 )\t nam+ "s few sonnets t seem to be 9 
all respects on a level ) ^? to :i*     
att5tion has be5 drawn4 ,( su*1 p]haps1 
! mo/ conspicu\s are3--,a ,day ( ,love2 
,mid-,rapture2 ,h] ,gifts2 ,! ,d>k      
,glass2 ,true ,woman2 ,)\t ,h]2 ,kn[n 9 
,va92 ,! ,he>t ( ! ,night2 ,! ,l&m>k2   
,/illborn ,love2 ,lo/ ,days4 ,b x w\ld  
be difficult to =mulate a critical      
op9ion 9 support ( ! sup]iority ( almo/ 

any ( ^!' sonnets ov] ! o!rs1--s balanc$
 is _! m]it1 s equal _! appeal to !     
imag9ation & he>t4 ,inde$1 x 7 sc>cely  
ra% to say t 9 ! language 7outside      
,%akspe>e7 !re exi/s no s+le body (     
sonnets *>act]is$ by su* su/a9$         
excell5ce ( vision & pres5tm5t4 ,x mu/ h
 be5 /range en\gh if ! all b unexampl$  
ard\r & con/ancy ) :i* ,rossetti pursu$ 
! art ( ! sonnet-writ] _h n result$ 9   
absolute ma/]y4  ,9 #ahej ,! ,g]m 0 />t$
 "u ! editor%ip ( ,mr4 ,william ,mi*ael 
,rossetti1 & to ! f\r issues1 :i* 7 all 
t 7 publi%$ ( ?is mon?ly magaz9e        
7design$ to advocate ! views ( !        
pre-,raphaelite bro!rhood71 ,rossetti   
contribut$ c]ta9 ( 8 e>ly poems--,!     
,bless$ ,damozel among ! numb]4 ,9 #ahef
 he contribut$ _m ( ! same poems1 toge!r
 ) o!rs1 to ,! ,ox=d & ,cambridge       
,magaz9e1 ( :i* ,canon ,dixon has k9dly 
und]tak5 to tell ! hi/ory4 ,he says3    
,my k ( ,dante ,gabriel ,rossetti 0     
begun 9 connection ) ,! ,ox=d &         
,cambridge ,magaz9e1 a mon?ly p]iodical1

 :i* 0 />t$ 9 ,janu>y #ahef1 & la/$ a   
ye>4 ,! projectors ( ?is p]iodical 7    
,mr4 ,william ,morris1 ,mr4 ,ed4 ,burne 
,jones1 & myself4 ,! editor 0 ,mr4 7n[ !
 ,rev47 ,william ,ful=d4 ,among !       
orig9al contributors 7 ! late ,mr4      
,wilfr$ ,heeley ( ,cambridge1 ,mr4      
,faulkn]1 n[ ,fell[ ( ,univ]sity        
,college1 ,ox=d1 & ,mr4 ,cormel ,price4 
,we 7 all und]graduates4 ,! publi%]s ( !
 magaz9e 7 ! late firm ( ,bell & ,daldy4
 ,we gradually associat$ ) ourselves    
sev]al o!r contributors3 above all1 ,d4 
,g4 ,rossetti4  ,( ?is und]tak+ ! c5tral
 notion 01 ,i ?9k1 to advocate moral    
e>ne/ness & purpose 9 lit]ature1 art1 & 
society4 ,x 0 f\nd$ mu* on ,mr4 ,rusk9's
 tea*+3 x sprang out ( y\?ful impati5ce1
 & exhibit$ _m signs ( immaturity &     
ignorance3 b p]haps x 0 n )\t value z a 
prote/ aga9/ "s ?+s4 ,! pre-,raphaelite 
movem5t 0 !n 9 vig\r3 & ?is ,magaz9e    
came to be consid]$ z ! organ ( ^? :o   
accept$ ! ideas :i* 7 br\ght into art at
 t "t2 &1 z 9 a mann]1 ! successor ( ,! 

,g]m1 a small p]iodical :i* _h be5      
publi%$ previ\sly by ! fir/ beg9n]s ( ! 
movem5t4 ,rossetti1 9 _m respects ! mo/ 
memorable ( ! pre-,raphaelites1 became  
connect$ ) our ,magaz9e :5 x _h be5 9   
exi/5ce ab\t six mon?s3 & he contribut$ 
to x sev]al ( ! f9e/ ( ! poems t 7      
aft]w>ds collect$ 9 ! =m] ( 8 two       
volumes ( poems3 namely1 ,! ,burd5 (    
,n9eveh1 ,! ,bless$ ,damozel1 & ,! ,/aff
 & ,scrip4 ,i ?9k t "o ( !m1 ,! ,bless$ 
,damozel1 _h appe>$ previ\sly 9 ,! ,g]m4
 ,all ^! poems1 z !y n[ /& 9 ! au?or's  
volume1 h be5 greatly alt]$ f :at !y 7 9
 ! ,magaz9e3 &1 9 be+ alt]$1 n always   
improv$1 at lea/ 9 ! v]bal *anges4 ,!   
fir/ ( !m1 a sublime m$itation ( peculi>
 metrical p[]1 has be5 mu* alt]$1 & 9   
g5]al happily1 z to ! arrangem5t (      
/anzas3 b n always s happily z to !     
words4 ,x is1 h[ev]1 pleas+ to notice t 
9 ! alt]ations "s t\*es ( bitt]ness h   
be5 effac$4 ,! second ( ^! pieces has   
be5 br\ght ) great skill into regul> =m 
by transposition3 b aga9 "o rep9es to   

f9d sev]al t\*es gone t once 7 !re4 ,!  
la/ ( !m1 ,! ,/aff & ,scrip1 is1 9 my   
judgm5t1 ! f9e/ ( all ,rossetti's poems1
 & "o ( ! mo/ glori\s writ+s 9 !        
language4 ,x exhibits 9 flawless        
p]fection ! gift t he _h above all o!r  
writ]s1 absolute beauty & pure action4  
,"h aga9 x is n possible to see )\t     
regret "s ( ! v]bal alt]ations t h be5  
made 9 ! poem z x n[ /&s1 al?\gh ! *ief 
em5dation1 ! omission ( "o /anza & !    
ins]tion ( ano!r1 adds cle>ness1 & 0 all
 t 0 want$ to make ! poem p]fect 9      
/ructure4  ,i saw ,rossetti = ! fir/ "t 
9 8 lodg+s ov] ,blackfri>s ,bridge4 ,x 0
 impossible n to be impress$ ) ! fre$om 
& k9dness ( 8 mann]1 n less ?an by 8    
p]sonal appe>ance4 ,8 frank greet+1     
bold1 b g5tle glance1 8 :ole pres5ce1   
produc$ a feel+ ( confid5ce & pleasure4 
,8 voice _h a great *>m1 bo? 9 tone1 & f
 ! peculi> cad5ces t belong$ to x ,i ?9k
 t ! lead+ features ( 8 "* /ruck me m at
 fir/ ?an ! *>act]i/ics ( 8 g5ius2 or r1
 t my notion ( ! "* ( ! man 0 =m$ fir/1 

& 0 !n appli$ to 8 works1 & id5tifi$ )  
!m4 ,! ma9 features ( 8 "* 71 9 my      
appreh5sion1 fe>lessness1 k9dl9ess1 a   
decision t sometimes made him seem      
some:at arbitr>y1 & cond5sation or      
conc5tration4 ,he 0 wond]fully          
self-reliant4 ,^! moral qualities1 guid+
 an arti/ic temp]am5t z exquisite z 0   
ev] be/[$ on man1 made him :at he 01 !  
greate/ inv5tor ( ab/ract beauty1 bo? 9 
=m & col\r1 t ?is age1 p]haps t ! _w1   
has se54 ,!y w\ld also acc\nt = "s      
peculi>ities t mu/ be admitt$ 9 "s ( 8  
works1 want ( nature1 = in/ance4 ,i he>d
 him once rem>k t x 0 8a/oni%+ h[ mu* ! 
lea/ bit ( nature help$ if "o put x 920 
:i* seem$ l an ackn[l$gm5t t he might h 
gone m to nature4 ,h5ce1 h[ev]1 8 works 
always seem ab/ract1 always seem to     
embody "s k9d ( typical aim1 & acquire a
 sort ( sacr$ "*4  ,i saw a good deal ( 
,rossetti 9 ,london1 & aft]w>ds 9 ,ox=d1
 dur+ ! pa9t+ ( ! ,union debat+-room4 ,9
 lat] ye>s our p]sonal int]c\rse 0 brok5
 (f ?r\gh di/ance2 ?\gh ,i saw him      

occasionally almo/ to ! "t ( 8 lam5t$   
dea?1 & we _h "s correspond5ce4 ,my     
recollection ( him is t ( greatness1 z  
might be expect$ ( "o ( ! few :o h be5  
8illu/ri\s 9 two arts10 & :o /&s by     
himself & has e>n$ an indep5d5t "n 9    
bo?4 ,8 "w 0 great3 ! man 0 great]4 ,8  
conv]sation _h a wond]ful ease1         
precision1 & felicity ( expression4 ,he 
produc$ ?\ghts p]fectly enunciat$ ) a   
delib]ate happ9ess t 0 indescribable1   
?\gh x 0 always simple conv]sation1 nev]
 h>angu+ or declamation4 ,he 0 a natural
 lead] because he 0 a natural tea*]4 ,:5
 he *ose to be int]e/$ 9 any?+ t 0      
br\ght be=e him1 no pa9s 7 too great =  
him to take4 ,8 advice 0 always giv5    
w>mly & freely1 & :5 he spoke ( ! works 
( o!rs x 0 always 9 ! mo/ g5]\s _s (    
praise4 ,x 0 9 fact impossible to h be5 
m free f capti\sness1 jeal\sy1 envy1 or 
any o!r =m ( pett9ess ?an ?is truly     
noble man4 ,! great pa9t] :o fir/ took  
me to him said1 8,we %all see ! greate/ 
man 9 ,europe40 ,i h x on ! same        

au?ority t ,rossetti's aptitude = art 0 
consid]$ among/ pa9t]s to be no less    
extraord9>y ?an 8 imag9ation4 ,=        
example1 t he c\ld take hold ( !        
extremity ( ! bru%1 & be z c]ta9 ( 8 t\*
 z if x _h be5 held 9 ! usual way2 t he 
nev] pa9t$ a picture )\t do+ some?+ 9   
col\r t _h nev] be5 done be=e2 &1 9     
p>ticul>1 t he _h a comm& ( ! features (
 ! human face su* z no o!r pa9t] ev]    
possess$4 ,i also rememb] "s obs]vations
 by ! same assur$ly compet5t judge1 to !
 effect t ,rossetti might be set aga9/ !
 great pa9t]s ( ! fifte5? c5tury1 z     
equal to !m1 ?\gh unlike !m3 ! diff]5ce 
be+ t :ile !y repres5t$ ! *>act]s1 :om  
!y pa9t$1 9 _! ord9>y & unmov$ mood1 he 
repres5t$ 8 *>act]s "u emotion1 & yet   
gave !m :olly4 ,x may be add$1 p]haps1 t
 he _h a l(ty /&>d ( beauty ( 8 own     
inv5tion1 & t he bo? elevat$ & subject$ 
all to beauty4 ,su* a man 0 n likely to 
be ignorant ( ! great root ( p[] 9 art1 
& ,i once saw him v indignant on he>+ t 
he _h be5 accus$ ( irreligion1 or r ( n 

be+ a ,*ri/ian4 ,he ask$ ) great        
e>ne/ness1 8,d n my works te/ify to my  
,*ri/ianity80 ,i wi% t ^! imp]fect      
recollections may be ( any avail to ^?  
:o *]i% ! memory ( an extraord9>y g5ius4
  ,besides 8 contributions to ,! ,g]m1 &
 to ,! ,ox=d & ,cambridge ,magaz9e1     
,rossetti contribut$ ,si/] ,hel51 9     
#ahec1 to a ,g]man ,annual4 ,beyond ?is 
he made little attempt to publi% 8      
poetry4 ,he _h writt5 x = ! love (      
writ+1 or 9 ob$i5ce to ! inh]5t impulse 
compell+ him to d s1 b ( actual hope (  
a*iev+ by virtue ( x a place among      
,engli% poets he seems to h _h none1 or 
next to none4 ,9 lat] life he us$ to say
 t ,mr4 ,br[n+'s greatness & ! spl5d\r (
 ,mr4 ,t5nyson's m]it$ r5[n seem$ to him
 9 ^? e>ly ye>s to r5d] all attempt on 8
 "p to secure rank by _! side z hopeless
 z presumptu\s4 ,?is1 he ass]t$1 0 !    
cause t op]at$ to re/ra9 him f          
publication betwe5 #ahec & #ahfb1 & aft]
 t 7z w pres5tly be se571 ano!r & m     
s]i\s ob/acle ?an self-depreciation     

int]v5$4 ,b 9 putt+ aside all hope ( !  
rew>d ( poetic a*ievem5t1 he did n :olly
 bani% ! memory ( ! "w he _h done4 ,he  
made two or m copies ( ! mo/ noticeable 
( ! poems he _h writt51 & s5t !m to     
fri5ds em95t 9 lett]s4 ,to ,leigh ,hunt 
he s5t ,! ,bless$ ,damozel1 & receiv$ 9 
ackn[l$gm5t a lett] full ( appreciative 
comm5t1 & =etell+ a brilliant future4 ,8
 lit]>y fri5ds at ?is "t 7 ,mr4 ,rusk91 
,mr4 & ,mrs4 ,br[n+2 he us$ to see ,mr4 
,t5nyson & ,c>lyle at int]vals1 & 0 9   
con/ant int]c\rse ) ! y\ng] writ]s1 ,mr4
 ,sw9burne & ,mr4 ,morris1 ^:           
reputations _h !n to be made2 ,mr4      
,arnold1 ,sir ,h5ry ,taylor1 ,mr4       
,aubrey de ,v]e1 ,mr4 ,e4 ,br\gh1 ,mr4  
,j4 ,hannay1 & ,mr4 ,monckton ,milnes   
7,"l ,h\ghton71 he met occasionally2    
,dobell he knew only by correspond5ce4  
,?\gh unpubli%$1 8 poems 7 n unkn[n1 =  
besides ! semi-publicity !y obta9$ by   
circulation 8among 8 private fri5ds10 he
 0 no?+ loa? to read or recite !m at    
reque/1 & by su* means a few ( !m secur$

 a celebrity ak9 9 k9d & almo/ equal 9  
ext5t to t enjoy$ by ,col]idge's        
,*ri/abel dur+ ! _m ye>s prec$+ #ahaf 9 
:i* x lay 9 manuscript4 ,l ,col]idge's  
poem 9 ano!r important p>ticul>1 c]ta9 (
 ,rossetti's ballads1 :il/ /ill unkn[n  
to ! public1 s f> influ5c$ contempor>y  
poetry t :5 !y did at l5g? appe> !y _h  
all ! appe>ance to ! un9itiat$ ( "w     
imitat$ f contempor>y models1 in/ead (  
be+1 z 9 fact !y 71 ! prim>y s\rce (    
inspiration = writ]s ^: names 7 e>li]   
e/abli%$4  ,t[>ds ! beg9n+ ( 8 arti/ic  
c>e] ,rossetti occupi$ a /udio1 )       
resid5tial *amb]s1 at ,black-fri>s      
,bridge4 ,! rooms ov]look$ ! riv]1 & !  
tide rose almo/ to ! walls ( ! h\se1    
:i*1 ) ne>ly all its old surr\nd+s1 has 
long disappe>$4  ,a /ory is told (      
,rossetti amid/ ^! environm5ts :i* aptly
 illu/rates almo/ e trait ( 8 "*3 8     
impetuosity1 & sup]/ition especially4 ,x
 0 8 daily habit to ransack old         
book-/alls1 & c>ry (f to 8 /udio :atev] 
treasures he une>!d1 b :51 ^u fur!r     

inve/igation1 he f\nd he _h be5 deceiv$ 
z to ! value ( a book t at fir/ look$   
promis+1 he usually rev5g$ himself by   
?r[+ ! volume ?r\gh a w9d[ into ! riv]  
runn+ bel[--a habit :i* he discov]$ 7to 
8 amusem5t1 & occasionally to 8         
di/ress71 t 8 fri5ds1 ,mr4 ,sw9burne    
especially1 imitat$ f him & practis$ at 
8 rooms on 8 behalf4 ,on "o occasion he 
discov]$ 9 "s odd nook a volume long    
s\ght =1 & hav+ inscrib$ x ) 8 "n &     
address1 he bore x (f joyfully to 8     
*amb]s2 b f9d+ a few days lat] t 9 "s   
respects x disappo9t$ 8 expectations1 he
 flung x ?r\gh ! w9d[1 & bani%$ all     
fur!r ?\ght ( x4 ,! tide _h be5 at !    
flood :5 ! book disappe>$1 & :5 x ebb$1 
! (f5d+ volume 0 f\nd by a little       
mud-l>k imb$d$ 9 ! refuse ( ! riv]4 ,!  
boy wa%$ x & took x back to ! address x 
conta9$1 expect+ to f9d x eag]ly        
reclaim$2 b1 impati5t & angry at sight (
 :at he ?\ght he _h de/roy$1 ,rossetti  
snat*$ ! book out ( ! muddy h& t pr(f]$ 
x & flung x aga9 into ! ,?ames1 ) r less

 ?an ! c\rtesy :i* might h be5 look$ = z
 ! rew>d ( an act t 0 meant s well4 ,b !
 haunt+ volume 0 n ev5 yet done )4 ,next
 morn+1 an old man ( ! riv]side lab\r]  
class knock$ at ! door1 be>+ 9 8 h&s a  
small p>cel rudely made up 9 a piece (  
newspap] t 0 greasy en\gh to h previ\sly
 conta9$ 8 morn+'s breakfa/4 ,he _h come
 f :]e he 0 work+ bel[ ,london ,bridge3 
he _h f\nd some?+ t might h be5 lo/ by  
,mr4 ,rossetti4 ,x 0 ! torm5t+ volume3 !
 inde/ructible1 unrel5t+ phantom t w\ld 
n be laid6 ,rossetti n[ p]ceiv$ t high] 
ag5cies 7 at "w3 x 0 n meant t he %\ld  
get rid ( ! book3 :y %\ld he cont5d     
aga9/ ! inevitable8 ,rev]5tly & ) bo?   
h&s he took ! besoil$ p>cel f ! br[n    
palm ( ! lab\r]1 plac$ half-a-cr[n !re  
in/ead1 & re/or$ ! fe>ful book to its   
place on 8 %elf4  ,& n[ we come to      
incid5ts 9 ,rossetti's c>e] ( :i* x is  
necess>y to treat z briefly z t5d]ly4   
,among ! models :o sat to him 0 ,miss   
,elizabe? ,eleanor ,siddal1 a "y lady ( 
great p]sonal beauty1 9 :om he discov]$ 

a natural g5ius = pa9t+ & a noticeable  
love ( ! high] poetic lit]ature4 ,he    
felt impell$ to give h] lessons1 & %e   
became z mu* 8 pupil z model4 ,h]       
wat]-col\r draw+s done "u 8 tuition gave
 pro( ( a wond]ful eye = col\r1 &       
display$ a m>k$ t5d5cy to /yle4 ,!      
subjects1 too1 7 admirably compos$ & (t5
 exhibit$ unusual poetic feel+4 ,x 0 v  
natural t su* a connection betwe5 p]sons
 ( k9dr$ aspirations %\ld lead to       
fri5d%ip & f9ally to love4  ,rossetti & 
,miss ,siddal 7 m>ri$ 9 #ahfj4 ,!y      
visit$ ,france & ,belgium2 & ?is j\rney1
 toge!r ) a simil> "o und]tak5 9 !      
company ( ,mr4 ,holman ,hunt 9 #ahdi1 & 
aga9 ano!r 9 #ahfc1 :5 8 bro!r 0 8      
companion1 & a %ort resid5ce on !       
,cont95t :5 a boy1 may be said to       
con/itute almo/ ! :ole sum ( ,rossetti's
 travell+4 ,v soon ! lady's heal? began 
to fail1 & %e became ! victim (         
neuralgia4 ,to meet ?is dread enemy %e  
resort$ to laudanum1 tak+ x at fir/ 9   
small quantities1 b ev5tually 9 excess4 

,h] spirits droop$1 h] art 0 laid aside1
 & mu* ( ! *e]fulness ( home 0 lo/ to   
h]4 ,!re 0 a *ild1 b x 0 /illborn1 & n  
long aft] ?is disa/]1 x 0 f\nd t ,mrs4  
,rossetti _h tak5 an ov]dose ( h]       
accu/om$ sleep+ potion & 0 ly+ dead 9 h]
 b$4 ,?is 0 9 #ahfb1 & aft] two ye>s    
only ( m>ri$ life4 ,! bl[ 0 a t]rible "o
 to ,rossetti1 :o 0 ! fir/ to discov]   
:at fate _h res]v$ = him4 ,x 0 "s days  
be=e he seem$ fully to realise ! loss t 
_h befall5 him1 & !n 8 grief knew no    
b\nds4 ,! poems he _h writt51 s f> z !y 
7 poems ( love1 7 *iefly inspir$ by &   
address$ to h]4 ,at h] reque/ he _h     
copi$ !m into a little book pres5t$ to  
him = ! purpose1 & on ! day ( ! fun]al  
he walk$ into ! room :]e ! body lay1 &1 
unm9dful ( ! pres5ce ( fri5ds1 he spoke 
to 8 dead wife z ?\gh %e he>d1 say+1 z  
he held ! book1 t ! words x conta9$ 7   
writt5 to h] & = h]1 & %e mu/ take !m ) 
h] = !y c\ld n rema9 :5 %e _h gone4 ,!n 
he put ! volume into ! c(f9 betwe5 h]   
*eek & beautiful hair1 & x 0 t day buri$

 ) h] 9 ,highgate ,cemet]y4     ,,*apt] 
,,ii4  ,x 0 long be=e ,rossetti recov]$ 
f ! %ock ( 8 wife's sudd5 dea?4 ,! loss 
su/a9$ appe>$ to *ange ! :ole c\rse ( 8 
life4 ,previ\sly he _h be5 ( a *e]ful   
temp]am5t1 & accu/om$ to g abroad at    
frequ5t int]vals to visit fri5ds2 b aft]
 ?is ev5t he seem$ to become = a "t     
morose1 & by nature reclusive4 ,n a     
great :ile aft]w>ds he remov$ f         
,blackfri>s ,bridge1 & aft] a tempor>y  
resid5ce 9 ,l9coln's ,inn ,fields1 he   
took up 8 abode 9 ! h\se he occupi$ dur+
 ! tw5ty rema9+ ye>s ( 8 life1 at #af   
,*eyne ,walk1 ,*elsea4 ,?is home (      
,rossetti's %all be fully describ$ 9    
subsequ5t p]sonal recollections4 ,x 0   
call$ ,tudor ,h\se :5 he became its     
t5ant1 f ! tradition t ,elizabe? ,tudor 
_h liv$ 9 x1 & x is und]/ood to be !    
same t ,?ack]ay describes 9 ,esmond z ! 
home ( ! old ,c\ntess ( ,*elsey4 ,a l>ge
 g>d51 :i* rec5tly has be5 cut (f =     
build+ purposes1 lay at ! back1 &1      
d\btless1 x 0 z mu* due to ! attractions

 ( ?is piece ( pleasant gr\nd1 dott$ ov]
 ) lime-trees1 & enclos$ by a high wall1
 t ,rossetti w5t s f> afield1 = at t    
p]iod ,*elsea 0 n ! rally+ gr\nd (      
arti/s & m5 ( lett]s4 ,he wi%$ to live a
 life ( retirem5t1 & ?\ght ! possession 
( a g>d5 9 :i* he c\ld take suffici5t   
daily ex]cise w\ld enable him to d s4 ,9
 leav+ ,blackfri>s he de/roy$ _m ?+s    
associat$ ) 8 resid5ce !re1 & calculat$ 
to rem9d him ( 8 life's great loss4 ,he 
burnt a great body ( lett]s1 & among !m 
7 _m valuable ones f almo/ all ! m5 &   
wom5 !n em95t 9 lit]ature & art4 ,8     
great grief not)/&+1 ^u settl+ at       
,*elsea he began almo/ ins5sibly to     
int]e/ himself 9 furni%+ ! h\se 9 a     
beautiful & novel /yle4 ,old oak !n     
became = a "t 8 passion1 & 9 hunt+ x up 
he rummag$ ! brok]s' %ops r\nd ,london =
 miles1 buy+ = trifles :at w\ld         
ev5tually 7:5 ! fa%ion he />t$ grew to  
be g5]al7 h fet*$ l>ge sums4 ,cab9ets ( 
all conceivable sup]annuat$ designs--s  
old 9 mat]ial or patt]n t no "o else    

w\ld look at !m--7 une>!d 9 obscure     
corn]s1 bol/]$ up by a jo9]1 & consign$ 
to _! places 9 ! new resid5ce4 ,foll[+  
old oak1 ,japanese furniture became     
,rossetti's que/1 & foll[+ ?is came blue
 *9a w>e 7( :i* he _h p]haps ! fir/ f9e 
collection made71 & !n ecclesia/ical &  
o!r brasses1 inc5se-burn]s1 sacram5tal  
cups1 crucifixes1 ,indian spice boxes1  
m$iaeval lamps1 antique bronzes1 & ! l4 
,9 a few ye>s he _h fill$ 8 h\se ) s mu*
 curi\s & beautiful furniture t !re grew
 up a widespread desire to imitate 8    
me?ods2 & v soon arti/s1 au?ors1 & m5 ( 
=tune hav+ no o!r occupation1 7 f\nd    
rummag+1 z he _h rummag$1 = ! neglect$  
articles ( ! c5turies gone by4 ,:at he  
did 0 done1 z he us$ to say1 less f love
 ( ! ?+s hunt$ =1 ?an f love ( !        
pursuit1 :i*1 f its difficulty1 gave    
rise to a pleasurable excitem5t4 ,?us   
did he grieve d[n 8 loss1 & little did  
!y ?9k :o aft]w>ds foll[$ ! fa%ion he   
set !m1 & c>ri$ 8 passion = antique     
furniture to an excess at :i* he mu/ h  

laugh$1 t 8' prim>y impulse 0 s f> f a  
desire to 8live up to 8 blue w>e10 t x 0
 m l an ef=t to live d[n to x4  ,x 0    
dur+ ! e>li] ye>s ( 8 resid5ce at       
,*elsea t ,rossetti =m$ a habit ( life  
:i* clung to him almo/ to ! la/1 & did m
 ?an aught else to blight 8 happ9ess4   
,:at 8 intimate fri5d has lately        
*>act]is$ 9 ,! ,daily ,news z t great   
curse ( ! lit]>y & arti/ic temp]am5t1   
insomnia1 _h be5 hang+ ab\t him s9ce !  
dea? ( 8 wife1 & 0 becom+ ea* ye> m & m 
al>m+4 ,he _h tri$ opiates1 b 9 sp>+    
quantities1 = _h he n ! mo/ s]i\s cause 
to es*ew !m8 ,t[>ds #ahfh he he>d ( ! !n
 newly f\nd drug *loral1 :i* 0 accr$it$ 
) all ! virtues & none ( ! vices ( o!r  
kn[n n>cotics4 ,"h !n 0 ! ?+ he want$2  
?is 0 ! bless$ discov]y t 0 to save him 
f days ( we>9ess & nights ( mis]y &     
te>s4 ,eag]ly he procur$ x1 took x      
nightly 9 s+le small doses ( t5 gra9s   
ea*1 & f x he receiv$ pleasant & refre%+
 sleep4 ,he made no concealm5t ( 8      
habit2 l ,col]idge "u simil> conditions1

 he pref]r$ to talk ( x4 ,n yet _h he   
le>n$ ! sad tru?1 too soon to =ce itself
 ^u him1 t ! fumes ( ?is dreadful drug  
w\ld "o day )] up 8 hopes & joys 9 life3
 delud+ him ) a %ort-liv$ surcease ( pa9
 only to impose a t]rible legacy (      
suff]+ f :i* !re 0 to be no respite4 ,_h
 ,rossetti be5 ma/] ( ! drug & n ma/]$  
by x1 p]haps he might h turn$ x to      
acc\nt at a critical juncture1 & laid x 
aside :5 ! necessity to employ x _h     
gradually be5 remov$4 ,b1 alas6 he gave 
way little by little to ! encroa*m5ts ( 
an evil p[] ) :i*1 :5 once x _h ga9$ !  
asc5dant1 he f\ght d[n to 8 dy+ day a   
s+le-h&$ & los+ fight4  ,x 0 n1 h[ev]1 =
 "s ye>s aft] he began ! use ( x t      
*loral produc$ any s5sible effects ( an 
injuri\s k9d1 & meantime he pursu$ z    
usual 8 avocation z a pa9t]4 ,m5tion has
 be5 made ( ! fact t ,rossetti ab&on$ at
 an e>ly age subject designs =          
?ree-qu>t]-l5g? figures4 ,( ! latt]1 9 !
 p]iod ( :i* we are n[ treat+1 he pa9t$ 
great numb]s3 among !m1 produc$ at ?is  

"t & lat]1 7 ,sibylla ,palmif]a & ,!    
,belov$ 7! prop]ty ( ,mr4 ,george ,rae71
 ,la ,pia & ,! ,salutation ( ,beatrice  
7,mr4 ,f4 ,e4 ,leyl&71 ,! ,dy+ ,beatrice
 7,"l ,m\nt ,temple71 ,v5us ,a/>te 7,mr4
 ,fry71 ,fiammetta 7,mr4 ,turn]71       
,pros]p9a 7,mr4 ,graham74 ,( ^! works1  
solidity may be said to be ! prom95t    
*>act]i/ic4 ,! drap]y ( ,rossetti's     
pictures is wond]fully p[]ful & solid2 8
 col\r may be said to be at times almo/ 
mat*able ) t ( c]ta9 ( ! ,v5etian       
pa9t]s1 ?\gh diff]5t 9 k9d4 ,he hat$    
beyond mo/ ?+s ! 8v>ni%y0 look ( "s     
mod]n "w2 & 8 own oil pictures _h s mu* 
( ! mann] ( frescoes 9 _! lu/reless     
dep?1 t !y 7 sometimes mi/ak5 =         
wat]-col\rs1 :ile1 on ! o!r h&1 8       
wat]-col\rs _h (t5 s mu* dep? &         
brilliancy z sometimes to be mi/ak5 =   
oil4 ,x is alleg$ 9 c]ta9 qu>t]s t      
,rossetti 0 defici5t 9 "s qualities (   
draw+1 & ?is is no d\bt a j allegation2 
b x is beyond "q t no ,engli% pa9t] has 
ev] be5 a great] ma/] ( ! human face1   

:i* 9 8 works 7especially ^? pa9t$ 9    
lat] ye>s7 acquires a spl5did solemnity 
& spiritual beauty & significance all b 
peculi> to himself4 ,x seems prop] to   
say 9 su* a connexion1 t 8 success 9 ?is
 direction 0 always attribut$ by him to 
! fact t ! mo/ memorable ( 8 faces 7    
pa9t$ f a well-kn[n fri5d4  ,only "o ( 8
 e>ly designs1 ! ,dante's ,dream1 0 ev] 
pa9t$ by ,rossetti on a scale           
comm5surate ) its importance1 & !       
solemnity & massive gr&eur ( t "w leave 
only a feel+ ( regret t1 :e!r f p]sonal 
indisposition on ! "p ( ! pa9t] or lack 
( adequate recognition on t ( ! public1 
! ?ree or f\r o!r f9e/ designs made 9   
y\? 7 nev] c>ri$ out4 ,z ! picture 9 "q 
/&s alone among ,rossetti's pictorial   
works z a complet$ conception1 x may be 
well to devote a few pages to a         
description ( x4  ,x is ess5tial to an  
appreciation ( ,dante's ,dream1 t we    
%\ld n only fully und]/& ! nature ( !   
p>ticul> incid5t depict$ 9 ! picture1 b 
also possess a g5]al k ( ! lives &      

relations ( ! two pr9cipal p]sonages    
conc]n$ 9 x4 ,:at we "k1 to mo/ purpose1
 ( ! e>ly life & love ( ,dante1 we le>n 
f ! autobiography :i* he entitl$ ,la    
,vita ,nuova4 ,boccaccio1 h[ev]1 writ+  
fifty ye>s aft] ! dea? ( ! great        
,flor5t9e1 af=ds a m detail$ /atem5t ?an
 is furni%$ by ,dante himself ( !       
circum/ances ( ! poets fir/ meet+ ) !   
lady he call$ ,beatrice4 ,he says t x 0 
! cu/om ( citiz5s 9 ,flor5ce1 :5 ! "t ( 
spr+ came r\nd1 to =m social ga!r+s 9 _!
 own qu>t]s = purposes ( m]ry-mak+2 t 9 
?is way ,folco ,port9>i1 a citiz5 ( m>k1
 _h collect$ 8 neighb\rs at 8 h\se ^u ! 
fir/ ( ,may1 #abgd1 = pa/ime & rejoic+3 
t among/ ^? :o came to him 0 ,alighi]o  
,alighi]i1 fa!r ( ,dante ,alighi]i1 :o  
liv$ )9 fifty y>ds2 t x 0 common =      
*ildr5 to accompany _! p>5ts at su*     
m]rymak+s1 & t ,dante1 !n sc>ce n9e ye>s
 old1 0 9 ! h\se on ! day 9 "q engag$ 9 
sports1 appropriate to 8 ye>s1 ) o!r    
*ildr51 among/ :om 0 a little daught] ( 
,folco ,port9>i1 eight ye>s old4 ,! *ild

 is describ$ z be+1 ev5 at ?is p]iod1 9 
aspect extremely beautiful1 & w9n+ &    
graceful 9 h] ways4 ,n to dwell ^u ^!   
passages ( *ildhood1 x may be suffici5t 
to say t ! boy1 "y z he 01 is said to h 
!n conceiv$ s deep a passion = ! *ild t 
matur] atta*m5ts prov$ p[]less to efface
 x4 ,su* 0 ! orig9 ( a love t grew f    
*ildlike t5d]ness to manly ard\r1 &1    
surviv+ all ! buffet+s ( an unt[>d fate1
 is kn[n to u n[ & = all "t 9 a record (
 s mu* reality & purity1 z seems to e   
"r-he>t$ nature to be equally ! /ory ( 8
 p]sonal atta*m5t z ! hi/ory ( a passion
 t 9 ,flor5ce1 six c5turies ago1 = its  
mortal put on immortality4  ,! ,port9>i 
& ,alighi]i 7 imm$iate neighb\rs1 yet x 
does n appe> t ! "y ,dante enc\nt]$ !   
lady 9 any m>k$ way until n9e ye>s lat]1
 & !n1 9 ! fir/ bloom ( a graci\s       
womanhood1 %e is describ$ z af=d+ him 9 
! /reet a salutation ( su* unspeakable  
c\rtesy t he left ! place :]e = ! in/ant
 he _h /ood sorely aba%$1 z "o          
intoxicat$ ) a love t n[ at fir/ knew   

itself = :at x 04 ,! incid5ts ( !       
atta*m5t are few 9 facts2 num]\s only 9 
emotions1 & !re9 too unc]ta9 & liable to
 *ange to be c\nt$4 ,9 ord] n to        
disclose a passion1 :i* o!r reasons ?an 
^? giv5 by ! poet may h tempt$ him to   
conceal1 ,dante affects an atta*m5t to  
ano!r lady ( ! city1 & ! rum\r ( ?is    
br+s ab\t an e/rangem5t ) ! real object 
( 8 desires1 :i* r$uces ! poet to su* an
 abject condition ( m9d1 z f9ally       
results 9 8 lay+ aside all c\nt]feit+4  
,port9>i1 ! fa!r1 n[ dies1 & witness+ ! 
t5d]ness ) :i* ! beautiful ,beatrice    
m\rns him1 ,dante becomes affect$ ) a   
pa9ful infirmity1 :]e9 8 m9d broods ov] 
8 enfeebl$ body1 &1 p]ceiv+ h[ frail a  
?+ life is1 ev5 ?\gh heal? keep ) x1 8  
bra9 beg9s to travail 9 _m imag9+s1 & he
 says )9 himself1 8,c]ta9ly x mu/ "s "t 
come to pass t ! v g5tle ,beatrice w    
die40  ,feel+ bewild]$1 he closes 8     
eyes1 &1 9 a trance1 he conceives t a   
fri5d comes to him1 & says1 8,ha/ ?\ n  
he>d8 ,%e t 0 ?9e excell5t lady has be5 

tak5 out ( life40 ,!n z he looks t[>ds  
,heav5 9 imag9ation1 he beholds a       
multitude ( angels :o are return+       
upw>ds1 hav+ be=e !m an exce$+ly :ite   
cl\d2 & ^! angels are s++1 & ! words (  
_! song are1 8,osanna 9 excelsis40 ,s   
/rong is 8 imag9+1 t x seems to him t he
 goes to look ^u ! body :]e x has its   
abid+-place4       ,! sun ceas$1 & ! />s
 began to ga!r1      ,& ea* wept at !   
o!r2        ,& birds dropp'd at         
midflight out ( ! sky2        ,& e>?    
%ook sudd5ly2           ,& ,i 0 #8w>e ( 
"o1 ho>se & tir$ out1      ,:o ask'd (  
me3 #8,ha/ ?\ n he>d x said--      ,?y  
lady1 %e t 0 s fair1 is dead8        ,!n
 lift+ up m9e eyes1 z ! te>s came1      
,i saw ! angels1 l a ra9 ( manna        
,9 a long flight fly+ back ,heav5w>d1   
,hav+ a little cl\d 9 front ( !m1       
,aft] ! :i* !y w5t1 & said #8,hosanna2' 
,& if !y _h said m1 y %\ld h he>d4      
,!n ,love said1 #8,n[ %all all ?+s be   
made cle>3      ,come1 & behold our lady
 :]e %e lies      ,^! #8wild]+          

phantasies         ,!n c>ri$ me to see  
my lady dead4         ,ev5 z ,i !re 0   
l$1             ,h] ladies ) a veil 7   
cov]+ h]2      ,& ) h] 0 su* v humbl5ess
      ,t %e appe>$ to say1 #8,i am at   
peace4'                         7,dante 
& 8 ,circle47  ,! trance proves to be a 
premonition ( ! ev5t1 =1 %ortly aft]    
writ+ ! poem 9 :i* 8 imag9+s f9d record1
 ,dante says1 8,! ,"l ,god ( ,ju/ice    
call$ my mo/ graci\s lady unto          
,himself40  ,x is ) ! incid5ts ( ! dream
 t ,rossetti has dealt4 ,! pr9cipal     
p]sonage 9 ! picture is1 ( c\rse1 ,dante
 himself4 ,( ! poet's face1 two old &   
accr$it$ witnesses rema9 to u--!        
portrait ( ,giotto & ! mask suppos$ to  
be copi$ f a simil> "o tak5 aft] dea?4  
,giotto's portrait repres5ts ,dante at !
 age ( tw5ty-sev54 ,! face has a fem99e 
delicacy ( outl9e1 yet is full ( manly  
beauty2 /r5g? & t5d]ness are se5 bl5d$ 9
 its l9eam5ts4 ,x might be t ( a poet1 a
 s*ol>1 a c\rti]1 or yet a soldi]2 & 9  
,dante x is all comb9$4  ,su*1 z se5 9  

,giotto1 0 ! great ,flor5t9e :5         
,beatrice beheld him4 ,! famili> mask   
repres5ts t y\?ful beauty z some:at     
sadd5$ by ye>s ( exile1 by ! accid5ts ( 
an unequal =tune1 & by ! long brood+    
memory ( 8 life's "o1 deep1 irrep>able  
loss4 ,we see 9 x ! w>rior :o s]v$ 9 !  
great battle ( ,campald9o3 ! m\rn] :o   
s\ght refuge f grief 9 ! action & dang] 
( ! w> wag$ by ,flor5ce ^u ,pisa3 !     
magi/rate ^: ju/ice prov$ 8 ru93 ! exile
 :o ate bitt] bread :5 ,flor5ce bani%$ !
 greate/ ( h] sons4 ,! mask is z full z 
! portrait ( intellect & feel+1 ( /r5g? 
& "*1 b x lacks some?+ ( ! e>ly         
sweetness & s5sibility4 ,rossetti's     
portraiture reta9s ! sali5t qualities ( 
bo? portrait & mask4 ,x repres5ts ,dante
 9 8 tw5ty-sev5? ye>2 ! face gives h9t (
 bo? poet & soldi]1 = beh9d cle>-cut    
features capable ( /r5g!n+ into resolve 
& rig\r lie :ole dep?s ( t5d]e/ sympa?y4
 ,! ab/ract$ air1 ! self-c5tr$ look1 !  
eyes t seem to see only :at ! m9d       
conceives & ca/s =w>d f itself2 ! sl[1  

unc]ta91 half-reluctant gait1--^! are   
pr(\ndly true to ! man & ! dream4  ,(   
,beatrice1 no su* description is giv5   
ei!r 9 ! ,vita ,nuova or ! ,comm$ia z   
c\ld af=d an arti/ a def9ite sugge/ion4 
,dante's love 0 an idealis$ passion2 x  
conc]n$ itself ) spiritual beauty1 :]e( 
! emotions excit$ absorb$ e m]ely       
physical consid]ation4 ,! beauty (      
,beatrice 9 ! ,vita ,nuova is l a ray ( 
sun%9e flood+ a l&scape--we see x only 9
 ! effect x produces4 ,all we "k )      
c]ta9ty is t h] hair 0 light1 t h] face 
0 pale1 & t h] smile 0 "o ( ?\ghtful    
sweetness4 ,^! h9ts ( a beautiful p]son 
,rossetti has wr\ght into a creation (  
su* purity t1 lovely z %e is 9 dea?1 z 9
 life1 we ?9k less ( h] lovel9ess ?an ( 
h] loveabl5ess4  ,! p]sonage ( ,love1 :o
 plays ?r\gh\t ! ,vita ,nuova a my/ical 
"p is n ! ,pagan ,love1 b a y\? &       
,*ri/ian ,ma/]1 z ,dante t]ms him1      
sometimes ( sev]e & t]rible aspect4 ,he 
is repres5t$ 9 ! picture z clad 9 a     
flame-col\r$ g>m5t 7= x is 9 a mi/ ( !  

col\r ( fire t he appe>s to ! lov]71 &  
he we>s ! pilgrim's scallop-%ell on 8   
%\ld] z emblem ( t pilgrimage on e>? :i*
 ,love is4  ,! *amb] :]e9 ! body (      
,beatrice has its abid+-place is1 to    
,dante's imag9+s1 a *amb] ( dreams4     
,vision>y z ! m9d ( ! dream]1 x         
discloses at once all t goes =w>d )9 its
 own n>r[ compass1 toge!r ) ! desolate  
/reets ( ! city ( ,flor5ce1 :i*1 to 8   
fancy1 sits sil5t = 8 loss1 & ! long    
flight ( angels above t be> away !      
little cl\d1 to :i* is giv5 a vague     
semblance ( ! beatifi$ ,beatrice4 ,z if 
j fall5 back 9 sleep1 ! beautiful lady  
lies 9 dea?1 h] h&s fold$ across h]     
brea/1 & a glory ( gold5 hair fl[+ ov]  
h] %\ld]s4 ,) measur$ tread ,dante      
approa*es ! c\* l$ by ! w+$ & sc>let    
,love1 b1 z ?\gh fe>ful ( s ne> &       
unaccu/om$ an approa*1 draws sl[ly      
backw>d on 8 half-rais$ foot1 :ile !    
my/ical emblem ( 8 e>?ly passion /&s    
droop+ly betwe5 him ! liv+1 & 8 lady !  
dead1 & takes ! kiss t he himself might 

nev] h4 ,9 life !y mu/ ne$s be ap>t1 b  
?us 9 dea? !y are unit$1 = ! h& ( !     
pilgrim1 :o is ! embodim5t ( 8 love1    
holds 8 h& ev5 z ! ma/]'s lips t\* h]   
lips4 ,two ladies ( ! *amb] are cov]+ h]
 ) a pall1 & on ! dream] !y fix         
sympa!tic eyes4 ,! floor is /rewn )     
poppies--emblems equally ( ! sleep 9 :i*
 ! lov] walks1 & ( ! sleep t is ! sleep 
( dea?4 ,! may-bloom 9 ! pall1 !        
apple-blossom 9 ! h& ( ,love1 ! violets 
& roses 9 ! frieze ( ! alcove1 symbolise
 purity & virg9ity1 ! life t is cut (f 9
 its spr+1 ! love t is consummat$ 9 dea?
 be=e ! com+ ( fruit4 ,susp5d$ f ! ro(  
is a scroll1 be>+ ! fir/ words ( ! wail 
f ! ,lam5tations ( ,j]emiah1 quot$ by   
,dante himself3--8,h[ do? ! city sit    
solit>y1 t 0 full ( p6 ,h[ is %e become 
z a wid[1 %e t 0 great among ! nations60
 ,9 ! asc5d+ & desc5d+ /aircase on ei!r 
i& fly doves ( ! same gl[+ col\r z      
,love1 & ^! are emblems ( 8 pres5ce 9 ! 
h\se4 ,ov] all flick]s ! la/ beam ( a   
lamp :i* has burnt ?r\gh ! long night1 &

 :i* ! dawn ( a new day sees die        
away--fit symbol ( ! life t has n[ tak5 
flight ) ! heav5ly ho/1 leav+ beh9d x   
only ! burnt-out socket :]e ! live flame
 liv$4  ,full ( symbol z ?is picture is1
 x is fur!rmore p]meat$ by a            
significance t is n occult4 ,x be>s     
witness to ! possible /r5g? ( a passion 
t is s spiritual z to be )\t ta9t (     
s5se2 & to a confid5t belief 9 an       
immortality :]e9 ! utmo/ limits ( a     
bless$ness n ( ?is _w may be compass$4  
,su* are 9 ?is picture ! simpl]1 yet    
deep]1 symbols1 t all :o look may read4 
,sir ,noel ,paton has writt5 ( ?is "w3  
,i 0 s dumbf\nd$ by ! beauty ( t great  
picture ( ,rosetti's1 call$ ,dante's    
,dream1 t ,i 0 usable to give any       
expression to ! emotions x              
excit$--emotions su* z ,i d n ?9k any   
o!r picture1 except ! ,madonna di ,san  
,si/o at ,dresd51 ev] /irr$ )9 me4 ,!   
memory ( su* a picture is l ! memory (  
sublime & p]fect music2 x makes any "o  
:o fully feels x--sil5t4 ,fifty ye>s    

h5ce x w be nam$ among ! half-doz5      
supreme pictures ( ! _w4  ,rossetti _h  
buri$ ! only complete copy ( 8 poems ) 8
 wife at ,highgate1 & = a "t he _h be5  
able to put by ! ?\ght ( !m2 b z "o by  
"o 8 fri5ds1 ,mr4 ,morris1 ,mr4         
,sw9burne1 & o!rs1 atta9$ to di/9ction z
 poets1 he began to hank] aft] poetic   
reputation1 & to reflect ) pa9 & regret 
^u ! hidd5 fruits ( 8 be/ ef=t4         
,rossetti--9 all love ( 8 memory be x   
spok5--0 aft] all a frail mortal2 (     
un/able "*3 ( v>iable purpose3 a        
creature ( impulse & :im1 & ) a pl5tiful
 lack ( ! backbone ( volition4 ,) less  
affection he w\ld n h buri$ 8 book2 ) m 
/r5g? ( w he _h n done s2 or1 hav+ done 
s1 he _h nev] wi%$ to undo :at he _h    
done2 or hav+ undone x1 he w\ld nev] h  
torm5t$ himself ) ! memory ( x z ( a de$
 ( sacrilege4 ,b ,rossetti _h bo?       
affection en\gh to d x & weakness en\gh 
to h x undone4 ,aft] an inf9ity (       
self-communions he det]m9$ to h ! grave 
op5$1 & ! book extract$4 ,endless 7 !   

prep>ations necess>y be=e su* a "w c\ld 
be begun4 ,mr4 ,home ,secret>y ,bruce _h
 to be consult$4 ,at l5g? prelim9>ies 7 
complete1 & "o night1 sev5 & a half ye>s
 aft] ! burial1 a fire 0 built by ! side
 ( ! grave1 & !n ! c(f9 0 rais$ & op5$4 
,! body is describ$ z p]fect ^u com+ to 
light4  ,:il/ ?is pa9ful "w 0 be+ done !
 unhappy au?or ( x 0 sitt+ alone &      
anxi\s1 & full ( self-reproa*es at !    
h\se ( ! fri5d :o _h *>ge ( x4 ,he 0    
reliev$ & ?ankful :5 told t all 0 ov]4  
,! volume 0 n mu* ! worse = ! ye>s x _h 
la9 9 ! grave4 ,defici5cies 7 fill$ 9 f 
memory1 ! manuscript 0 put 9 ! press1 & 
9 #ahgj ! reclaim$ "w 0 issu$ "u !      
simple title ( ,poems4  ,! success ( !  
book 0 almo/ )\t prec$5t2 sev5 editions 
7 call$ = 9 rapid succession4 ,x 0      
review$ ) en?usiasm 9 _m qu>t]s4 ,yet t 
0 a p]iod 9 :i* fre% poetry & new poets 
arose1 ev5 z !y n[ arise1 ) all !       
abundance & timel9ess ( poppies 9       
autumn4 ,x is probable en\gh t ( !      
circum/ances att5d+ ! unexampl$ e>ly    

success ( ?is fir/ volume only !        
rem>kable fact is /ill rememb]$ t1 f a  
booksell]'s /&po9t1 x ran a neck-&-neck 
race ) ,disraeli's ,lo?air at a "t :5   
political romance 0 f\nd univ]sally     
appetis+1 & poetry1 z ( old1 a drug4 ,b 
x w n be =gott5 t c]ta9 subsidi>y       
circum/ances 7 ?\ght to h contribut$ to 
! =m] success4 ,( ^! ! mo/ mat]ial 0 !  
reputation ,rossetti _h already a*iev$ z
 a pa9t] by me?ods :i* awak5$ curiosity 
z mu* z !y ar\s$ en?usiasm4 ,! public   
m9d became s5sibly affect$ by ! idea t !
 poems ( ! new poet 7 n to be reg>d$ z !
 emanations ( a s+le individual1 b z !  
result ( a movem5t 9 :i* ,rossetti _h   
play$ "o ( ! mo/ prom95t p>ts4 ,mr4 ,f4 
,hueff]1 9 prefac+ ! ,tau*nitz edition (
 ! poems ) a pleasant memoir1 has       
compreh5sively d5om9at$ t movem5t !     
r5aissance ( m$ival feel+1 b at ! outset
 x acquir$ popul>ly1 = good or ill1 ! m 
rememb]able "n ( pre-,raphaelitism4 ,:at
 ! %ibbole? 0 ( ! orig9ators ( ! s*ool t
 grew out ( x conc]n$ m5 b little to    

asc]ta92 & ?is 0 a condition (          
indiff]5ce z to ! logic ( ! movem5t :i* 
0 occasion$ p>tly by ! kn[n fact t ! mo/
 popul> ( its lead]s1 ,mr4 ,millais1 _h 
long be5 %ift+ gr\nd4 ,x 0 en\gh t ! new
 sect _h compris$ diss5t]s f ! cre$ once
 e/abli%$1 t ! ca?olic _s ( art :i* liv$
 ) ! lives ( ,elmore1 ,goodall1 & ,/one 
0 long dead1 & t none ( ! cot]ies = love
 ( :i* ! old fai?1 exemplifi$ 9 ! works 
( m5 su* z ^!1 _h be5 put aside1        
possess$ su* an appeal = ! imag9ation z 
?is1 n[ t tw5ty ye>s ( fairly consi/5t  
endeav\r _h cle>$ away ! cl\d ( obloquy 
t ga!r$ ab\t x :5 x began4 ,& s x came  
to be ?\ght t ! poems ( ,rossetti 7 to  
exhibit a new phase ( ?is movem5t1      
involv+ k9dr$ issues1 & op5+ up afre% 9 
! poetic doma9 ! controv]sies :i* _h be5
 wag$ & won 9 ! pictorial4 ,mu* to ?is  
purpose 0 said at ! "t to acc\nt = !    
success ( a book ^: popul> qualities 7  
,i manife/ly inconsid]able2 & mu* to    
simil> purpose w d\btless long be said  
by ^? :o affect to believe t a          

concat5ation ( circum/ances did =       
,rossetti's e>li] "w a s]vice :i* c\ld n
 att5d 8 subsequ5t "o4 ,b ! explanation 
0 inadequate1 & _h = its imm$iate       
outcome a *>ge ( n>r[$ range ( poetic   
sympa?y ) :i* ,rossetti's admir]s _h n  
laid _! acc\nt4  ,a r5aissance ( m$ival 
feel+ ! movem5t 9 art assur$ly involv$1 
b ! ess5tial "p ( x 0 ano!r ?+1 ( :i*   
m$ivalism 0 palpably indep5d5t4 ,h[ x   
came to be consid]$ ! fundam5tal elem5t 
is n difficult to %[4 ,9 an em95t degree
 ! orig9ators ( ! new s*ool 9 pa9t+ 7   
col\ri/s1 hav+1 p]haps1 9 _! effects1 a 
c]ta9 aff9ity to ! e>ly ,flor5t9e ma/]s1
 & ?is accid5t ( native gift _h probably
 m to d 9 det]m9+ ! precise direction ( 
! intellectual sympa?y ?an any ext]nal  
ag5cy4 ,! art feel+ :i* =m$ ! f\ndation 
( ! movem5t exi/$ ap>t f x1 or bore no  
clos] relation to x ?an k9%ip ( p[]s    
induc$4 ,:5 ,rossetti's poetry came x 0 
se5 to be animat$ by a *oice (          
subject-matt] ak9 to t :i* gave         
individual "* to 8 pa9t+1 b ?is 0       

because coeval ef=ts 9 two totally      
di/9ct arts mu/ ne$s be> ! family       
resemblance1 ea* to ea*1 :i* belong to  
all ! (fspr+ ( a ?or\ghly h>monis$ m9d4 
,! poems & ! pictures1 h[ev]1 _h n m 9  
common ?an c be f\nd 9 ! e>ly poems &   
e>ly dramas ( ,%akspe>e4 ,nay1 n s mu*2 
= :]eas 9 8 poems ,%akspe>e 0 con/antly 
evolv+ c]ta9 %ades ( feel+ & begett+    
c]ta9 movem5ts ( ?\ght :i* 7 soon to f9d
 concrete & f9al collocation 9 !        
dramatic creations1 9 8 pictures        
,rossetti 0 fir/ ( all a diss5t] f all  
prescrib$ canons ( ta/e1 :il/ 9 8 poems 
he 0 9 h>mony ) ! ca?olic _s :i* 0 z old
 z ,%akspe>e himself1 & f\nd revival1   
aft] tempor>y eclipse1 9 ,col]idge1     
,%elley1 ,keats1 & ,t5nyson4 ,*oice (   
m$iaeval !me w\ld n 9 itself h be5 en\gh
 to secure a rev]sal ( popul> feel+     
aga9/ "w t conta9$ no g]ms ( !          
s5sational2 & h5ce we mu/ conclude t    
,mr4 ,sw9burne acc\nt$ m satisfactorily 
= ! in/ant popul>ity ( ,rossetti's      
poetry :5 he claim$ = x ^? innate utmo/ 

qualities ( beauty & /r5g? :i* are      
always ! fir/ & la/ con/itu5ts ( poetry 
t abides4 ,inde$ ^? qualities & none    
o!r1 :olly indep5d5t ( auxili>y aids1   
mu/ n[ z !n g f>!/ to det]m9e           
,rossetti's f9al place among poets4     
,su* z is "h describ$ 0 ! fir/ reception
 giv5 to ,rossetti's volume ( poetry2 b 
at ! close ( #ahga1 !re arose out ( x a 
long & acrimoni\s controv]sy4 ,x seems  
necess>y to allude to ?is pa9ful matt]1 
because x involv$ s]i\s issues2 b an    
ef=t alike aft] brevity & imp>tiality ( 
comm5t %all be obs]v$ 9 :at is said ( x4
 ,9 ,octob] ( ! ye> m5tion$1 an article 
entitl$ ,! ,fle%ly ,s*ool ( ,poetry1 &  
sign$ 8,?omas ,maitl&10 appe>$ 9 ,!     
,contempor>y ,review4 99 ,x consi/$ 9 ! 
ma9 ( an impea*m5t ( ,rossetti's poetry 
on ! gr\nd ( s5suality1 ?\gh x embrac$ a
 broad d5unciation ( ! s5sual t5d5cies (
 ! age 9 art1 music1 poetry1 ! drama1 & 
social life g5]ally4 ,s5suality 0 reg>d$
 z ! ph5om5on ( ! age4 8,x lies10 said !
 writ]1 8on ! draw+-room table1         

%amelessly nak$ & dang]\sly fair4 ,x is 
"p ( ! pretty poem :i* ! belle ( !      
season reads1 & x brea!s away ! pur5ess 
( h] s\l l ! poison$ brea? ( ! girl 9   
,haw?orne's tale4 ,x cov]s ! %elves ( ! 
great ,ox=d-,/reet libr>ian1 lurk+ 9 !  
cov]s ( ?ree-volume novels4 ,x is on !  
,fr5* booksell]s' c\nt]s1 au!nticat$ by 
! signature ( ! au?or ( ! ,visite de    
,noces4 ,x is "h1 !re1 & ev]y:]e1 9 art1
 lit]ature1 life1 j z surely z x is 9 ! 
,fleurs de ,mal1 ! ,m>quis de ,sade's   
,ju/9e1 or ! ,monk ( ,lewis4 ,x appeals 
to all ta/es1 to all dispositions1 to   
all ages4 ,if ! qu]ul\s man ( lett]s has
 8 ,baudelaire1 ! pimpl$ cl]k has 8     
,day's ,do+s1 & ! dissipat$ artisan 8   
,day & ,night40  ,:5 ! writ] set himself
 to inquire into ! s\rce ( ?is social   
canc]1 he refus$ to believe t ,engli%   
society 0 honeycomb$ & rott54 ,he       
acc\nt$ = ! port5t\s symptoms t appall$ 
him by attribut+ ! evil to a fr+e ( real
 ,engli% society1 *iefly1 if n altoge!r1
 resid5t 9 ,london3 8a sort (           

demi-monde1 n compos$1 l t o!r 9        
,france1 ( simple c\rtesans1 b ( m5 &   
wom5 ( indol5t habits & ae/hetic ta/es1 
arti/s1 lit]>y p]sons1 novel writ]s1    
actors1 m5 ( g5ius & m5 ( tal5t1        
butt]flies & gadflies ( ! human k9d1    
lead+ a lazy exi/5ce f h& to m\?40 ,x 0 
to ?is ,bohemian fr+e ( society t !     
writ] attribut$ ! 8gross & vulg>        
conceptions ( life :i* are =mulat$ into 
c]ta9 products ( art1 lit]ature1 &      
criticism40  ,deal+ ) only "o =m ( !    
social ph5om5on1 ) s5sualism s f> z x   
appe>$ to affect contempor>y poetry1 !  
writ] proce$$ ) a lit]>y retrospect     
int5d$ to %[ t ! fair dawn ( our ,engli%
 poetry 9 ,*auc] & ! ,elizabe?an        
dramati/s _h be5 ov]cl\d$ by a port5t\s 
d>kness1 a d>kness 8vapor\s10 8miasmic10
  com+ f a 8fev]-cl\d g5]at$ fir/ 9     
,italy & !n bl[n we/w>d10 suck+ up on   
its way 8all t 0 mo/ un:olesome f ! soil
 ( ,france40       99 ,9 ?is summ>y1 !  
pamphlet repr9t has be5 foll[$ 9        
pref]5ce to ! orig9al article z x appe>$

 9 !      ,review4  ,j previ\sly to &   
contemporane\sly ) ! rise ( ,dante1 !re 
_h fl\ri%$ a legion ( poets ( great] or 
less ability1 b all m or less *>act]is$ 
by affectation1 fooli%ness1 & moral     
bl9dness3 s+]s ( ! falsetto s*ool1 )    
ballads to _! mi/ress's eyebr[1 sonnets 
to _! lady's lute1 & g5]al songs ( a    
fiddle/ick2 peevi% m5 = ! mo/ "p1 z is !
 way ( all fle%ly & affect$ be+s2 m5 s  
ignorant ( human subjects & mat]ials z  
to be driv5 9 _! %e] bankruptcy ( m9d to
 raise ,hope1 ,love1 ,fe>1 ,rage 7ev]y?+
 b ,*>ity7 into human entities1 & to    
treat ! body & uphol/]y ( a dolli% woman
 z if1 9 itself1 x con/itut$ a :ole     
univ]se4  ,aft] trac+ ! effect ( !      
8moral poison0 "h se5 9 its inception   
?r\gh ,engli% poetry f ,surrey & ,wyat  
to ,c[ley1 ! writ] recognis$ a 8tranquil
 gleam ( hone/ ,engli% light0 9 ,c[p]1  
:o 8spread ! se$s ( new life0 soon to   
re-appe> 9 ,wordswor?1 ,col]idge1 ,s\!y1
 ,lamb1 & ,scott4 ,9 8 op9ion !         
8,italian disease w\ld n[ h di$ out     

altoge!r10 b = a 8fre% importation ( !  
obnoxi\s matt] f ,france40  ,at ?is /age
 came a d5unciation ( ! repres5tation ( 
8abnormal types ( diseas$ lu/ & lu/ful  
disease0 z se5 9 ,*>les ,baudelaire's   
,fleurs de ,mal1 ) ! conclusion t out ( 
8! hide\sness ( ,femmes ,damnes0 came   
c]ta9 ,engli% poems4 8,?is10  said !    
writ]1 8is our d\ble mis=tune--to h a   
nuisance1 & to h x at second-h&4 ,we    
might h be5 m tol]ant to an unclean ?+  
if x _h be5 9 "s s5se a product ( !     
soil0 ,all t is "h summ>is$1 h[ev]1 0 b 
prep>atory to ! real object ( ! article1
 :i* 0 to assail ,rossetti's new volume4
  ,! poems 7 trav]s$ 9 detail1 ) b      
little 7& t ! mo/ grudg+7 admission ( _!
 p[] & beauty1 & ! v %>pe/ acc5tuation (
 _! less spiritual qualities4 ,s9ce !   
publication ( ! article 9 "q1 ev5ts h   
tak5 su* a turn t x is no long] ei!r    
necess>y or wise to quote ! /rictures   
conta9$ 9 x1 h[ev] !y might be f5c$ by  
ju/] views4 ,! gravam5 ( ! *>ge aga9/   
,rossetti1 ,mr4 ,sw9burne1 & ,mr4       

,morris alike--sett+ aside all p>ticul> 
accusations1 h[ev] s]i\s--0 t !y _h     
8b\nd !mselves into a solemn league &   
cov5ant to extol fle%l9ess z ! di/9ct & 
supreme end ( poetic & pictorial art2 to
 av] t poetic expression is great] ?an  
poetic ?\ght1 & by inf]5ce t ! body is  
great] ?an ! s\l1 & s\nd sup]ior to     
s5se40  ,su*1 !n1 is a synopsis ( !     
ho/ile article ( :i* ! nucleus appe>$ 9 
,! ,contempor>y ,review1 & x 7 little   
less ?an *ildi% to say t ev5ts s        
important z ! publication ( ! article & 
subsequ5t pamphlet1 & ! controv]sy t    
arose out ( !m1 %\ld1 f _!              
unpleasantness & futility1 f ! bad      
passions provok$ by !m1 or yet f !      
regret t foll[$ aft] !m1 be pass$ ov] 9 
sorr[ & sil5ce4 ,= good or ill1 :at 0   
writt5 on bo? sides w rema94 ,x has /ood
 & w /&4 ,soon] or lat] ! /ory ( ?is    
lit]>y qu>rel w be told 9 detail & 9    
cold blood1 & p]haps ) less ?an         
suffici5t k ( ei!r ( ! p>ties conc]n$ 9 
x1 or sympa?y ) _! aims4 ,no bett] fate1

 "o might ?9k1 c\ld befall x ?an to be  
dealt )1 h[ev] briefly1 by a writ] ^:   
affections 7 w>mly engag$ on "o side1   
:ile 8 convictions & bias ( nature =c$  
him to recognise ! ju/ice ( !           
o!r--/ripp$1 ( c\rse1 ( ! cruelties )   
:i* lit]>y error b too obvi\sly en%r\d$ 
x4  ,:atev] ! effect produc$ ^u ! public
 m9d by ! article 9 "q 7& !re seems     
little reason to ?9k x 0 at all         
mat]ial71 ! effect ^u two ( ! writ]s    
attack$ 0 c]ta9ly m ?an comm5surate ) ! 
assault4 ,mr4 ,morris wisely attempt$ no
 reply to ! few words ( adv]se criticism
 9 :i* 8 "n 0 specifically involv$2 b   
,mr4 ,sw9burne retort$ ^u 8 adv]s>y ) ! 
torr5ts ( invective ( :i* he has a      
measureless comm&4 ,rossetti's c\rse 0  
diff]5t4 ,greatly conc]n$ at !          
bitt]ness1 z well z />tl$ by !          
unexpect$ness ( ! attack1 he wrote 9 !  
fir/ mom5ts ( indignation a full &      
po9t-=-po9t rejo9d]1 & ?is he pr9t$ 9 ! 
=m ( a pamphlet1 & _h a great numb]     
/ruck (f2 b ) con/itutional irresolution

 7wisely re/ra9+ him 9 ?is case71 he    
de/roy$ e copy1 & cont5t$ himself )     
writ+ a temp]ate lett] on ! subject to  
,! ,a!num1 ,decemb] #af1 #ahga4 ,he     
said3  ,a sonnet1 entitl$ ,nuptial      
,sleep1 is quot$ & abus$ at page #cch ( 
! ,review1 & is !re dwelt ^u z a 8:ole  
poem10 describ+ 8m]ely animal           
s5sations40 ,x is no m a :ole poem 9    
reality ?an is any s+le /anza ( any poem
 ?r\gh\t ! book4 ,! poem1 writt5 *iefly 
9 sonnets1 & ( :i* ?is is "o            
sonnet-/anza1 is entitl$ ,! ,h\se (     
,life2 & ev5 9 my fir/ publi%$ in/alm5t 
( ! :ole "w 7z conta9$ 9 ! volume "u    
notice71 ample evid5ce is includ$ t no  
su* pass+ phase ( description z ! "o    
head$ ,nuptial ,sleep c\ld possibly be  
put =w>d by ! au?or ( ,! ,h\se ( ,life z
 8 own repres5tative view ( ! subject ( 
love4 ,9 pro( ( ?is ,i w direct att5tion
 7among ! love-sonnets ( ?is poem71 to  
,nos4 #b1 #h1 #aa1 #ag1 #bh1 & m        
especially #ac4 ,"h ,love ,sweetness is 
pr9t$4 ,any read] may br+ any arti/ic   

*>ge he pleases aga9/ ! above sonnet2 b 
"o *>ge x w\ld be impossible to ma9ta9  
aga9/ ! writ] ( ! s]ies 9 :i* x occurs1 
& t is1 ! wi% on 8 "p to ass]t t ! body 
is great] ?an ! s\l4 ,= "h all !        
passionate & j delights ( ! body are    
decl>$--some:at figuratively1 x is true1
 b unmi/akeably--to be z naught if n    
ennobl$ by ! concurr5ce ( ! s\l at all  
times4 ,moreov]1 ne>ly "o half ( ?is    
s]ies ( sonnets has no?+ to d ) love1 b 
treats ( q o!r life-influ5ces4 ,i w\ld  
defy any "o to c\ple ) fair quotation ( 
sonnets #bi1 #cj1 #ca1 #ci1 #dj1 #dc1 or
 o!rs1 ! sl&] t _! au?or 0 n impress$1 l
 all o!r ?9k+ m51 ) ! responsibilities &
 high] my/]ies ( life2 :ile sonnets #ce1
 #cf1 & #cg1 entitl$ ,! ,*oice1 sum up !
 g5]al view tak5 9 a mann] only to be   
evad$ by consci\s ins9c]ity4 ,?us mu* = 
,! ,h\se ( ,life1 ( :i* ! sonnet        
,nuptial ,sleep is "o /anza1 embody+1 = 
its small con/itu5t %>e1 a beauty (     
natural univ]sal function1 only to be   
reprobat$ 9 art if dwelt on 7z ,i h %[n 

t x is n "h71 to ! exclusion ( ^? o!r   
highe/ ?+s ( :i* x is ! h>moni\s        
concomitant4  ,x _h become kn[n t !     
article 9 ! ,review 0 n ! "w ( ! unkn[n 
,?omas ,maitl&1 ^: "n x bore1 & on ?is  
head ,rossetti wrote3  ,"h a critical   
organ1 pr(ess$ly adopt+ ! pr9ciple ( op5
 signature1 w\ld seem1 9 reality1 to    
ass]t 7by sil5t practice1 h[ev]1 n by   
annunciation7 t if ! anonym\s 9         
criticism 0--z itself orig9ally         
indicat$--b an e>ly cat]pill> /age1 !   
nom9ate too is f\nd to be no bett] ?an a
 homely transitional *rysalis1 & t !    
ultimate butt]fly =m = a critic :o likes
 to sport 9 sunlight1 & yet elude !     
grasp1 is aft] all ! pseudonym\s4  ,x   
transpir$1 9 subsequ5t correspond5ce 7( 
:i* !re 0 m ?an en\gh71 t ! actual writ]
 0 ,mr4 ,rob]t ,bu*anan1 !n a "y au?or  
:o _h ris5 into di/9ction z a poet1 & :o
 0 consequ5tly suspect$1 by ! writ]s &  
disciples ( ! ,rossetti s*ool1 ( be+    
actuat$ mu* m by feel+s ( rivalry ?an by
 desire = ! public good4 ,mr4 ,bu*anan's

 reply to ! s]i\s accusation ( hav+     
assail$ a bro!r-poet pseudonym\sly 0 t !
 false signature 0 affix$ to ! article  
)\t 8 k1 89 ord] t ! criticism might re/
 ^u its own m]its1 & ga9 no?+ f ! "n ( !
 real writ]40  ,x 0 an unpleasant       
controv]sy1 & :at rema9s z an imp>tial  
synopsis ( x appe>s to be ?is3 t !re 0  
actually manife/ 9 ! poetry ( c]ta9     
writ]s a t5d5cy to deviate f :olesome   
retic5ce1 & t ?is dang]\s t5d5cy came to
 u f ,france1 :]e deep-seat$ unheal?y   
passion s gave %ape to ! glorification (
 gross =ms ( animalism z to excite al>m 
t :at _h begun ) ! hide\sness ( ,femmes 
,damnes w\ld n ev5 end !re2 f9ally1 t ! 
unpleasant tru? dem&$ to be spok5--by   
:omsoev] _h c\rage en\gh to utt] x--t to
 deify m]e lu/ 0 an (f5ce & an outrage4 
,s mu* = ! ju/ice on ,mr4 ,bu*anan's    
side2 ) ! mi/ak5 criticism l9k+ ! writ]s
 ( ,dante's "t ) ,fr5* writ]s ( ! "t (  
,baudelaire x is h>dly necess>y to deal4
 ,on ! o!r h&1 x mu/ be said t !        
sum-total ( all ! ,engli% poetry writt5 

9 imitation ( ! wor/ =ms ( ?is ,fr5*    
excess 0 probably less ?an "o hundr$    
l9es2 t :at 0 really repreh5sible 9 !   
,engli% imitation ( ! poetry ( ! ,fr5*  
,s*ool 01 !re=e1 too inconsid]able to   
ju/ify a :olesale *>ge aga9/ x ( an     
endeav\r to raise ! bann] ( a black     
ambition ^: only aim 0 to ru9 society2 t
 ,rossetti1 :o 0 made to be> ! brunt (  
attack1 0 a man :o nev] by direct av[al1
 or yet by inf]5ce1 display$ ! fa9te/   
conceivable sympa?y ) ! ,fr5* excesses 9
 "q1 & :o nev] wrote a l9e inspir$ by   
un:olesome passion4 ,z ! pi? ( ,mr4     
,bu*anan's accusation ( #ahga lay "h1 & 
z ,mr4 ,bu*anan has1 s9ce !n1 v manfully
 )drawn x1 99 we ne$ h>dly g fur!r2 b1 z
 m rec5t articles 9 prom95t places1 ,!  
,ed9burgh ,review1 ,! ,briti% ,qu>t]ly  
,review1 & aga9 ,! ,contempor>y ,review1
 h repeat$ :at 0 fir/ said by him on !  
alleg$ un:olesom5ess ( ,rossetti's      
poetic impulses1 x may be z well to     
admit frankly1 & at once 7= ! subject w 
arise 9 ! future z frequ5tly z ?is      

poetry is "u discussion7 t love ( bodily
 beauty did und]lie mu* ( ! poet's "w4  
,b has n ! same passion made ! back-bone
 ( n9e-t5?s ( ! noble/ ,engli% poetry   
s9ce ,*auc]8 ,if x is object$ t         
,rossetti's love ( physical beauty took 
new =ms1 ! rejo9d] is t x w\ld h be5    
equally *ildi% & futile to attempt to   
prescribe limits = x4 ,all ?is we grant 
to ^? unfri5dly critics :o refuse to see
 t spiritual beauty & n s5suality 0     
,rossetti's actual goal4       99 ,writ+
 to me on ?is subject s9ce ,rossetti's  
dea?1 ,mr4      ,bu*anan says3--8,9     
p]fect frankness1 let me say a few      
words conc]n+ our old qu>rel4 ,:ile     
admitt+ freely      t my article 9 ! ,c4
 ,r4 0 unju/ to ,rossetti's claims      
z a poet1 ,i h ev] held1 & /ill hold1 t 
x      conta9$ no?+ to w>rant ! mann] 9 
:i* x 0      receiv$ by ! poet & 8      
circle4 ,at ! "t x 0      writt51 !     
newspap]s 7 full ( panegyric2 m9e 0 a   
m]e drop ( gall 9 an ocean ( eau sucre4 
,t x c\ld      h _h on any man ! effect 

y describe1 ,i c sc>cely      believe2  
inde$1 ,i ?9k t no liv+ man _h s little 
to      compla9 ( z ,rossetti1 on !     
score ( criticism4 ,well1 my      prote/
 0 receiv$ 9 a way :i* turn$ irritation 
into      wra?1 wra? into viol5ce2 & !n 
ensu$ ! pap] w>      :i* la/$ = ye>s4   
,if y comp>e :at ,i h writt5      (     
,rossetti ) :at 8 admir]s h writt5 (    
myself1 ,i      ?9k y w admit t !re has 
be5 "s cause = me      to compla91 to   
%un society1 to feel bitt] aga9/ !      
_w2 b happily1 ,i h a ?ick epid]mis1 & !
      c\rage ( an approv+ consci5ce4 ,i 
0 unju/1 z ,i h      said2 mo/ unju/ :5 
,i impugn$ ! purity &      misconceiv$ !
 passion ( writ+s too hurri$ly read &   
review$ curr5te calamo2 b ,i 0 at lea/  
hone/ &      fe>less1 & wrote ) no      
p]sonal malignity4 ,save = !      action
 ( ! lit]>y def5ce1 if ,i may s t]m x1  
my      article w\ld h be5 z ephem]al z 
! mood :i*      induc$ its composition4 
,i make full admission ( ,rossetti's    
claims to ! pure/ k9d ( lit]>y r5[n1 &  

if ,i 7      to criticise 8 poems n[1 ,i
 %\ld write v diff]5tly4      ,b no?+ w 
%ake my conviction t ! cruelty1 !       
unfairness1 ! pusillanimity has be5 on !
 o!r side1      n on m9e4 ,! am5de ( my 
,d$ication 9 ,god & ! ,man      0 a     
sacr$ ?+2 betwe5 8 _s & m9e2 n betwe5   
my "* & ! c[>ds :o h attack$ x4 ,i ?\ght
      he w\ld und]/&1--:i* w\ld h be51 &
 inde$ is1      suffici5t4 ,i cri$1 &   
cry1 no truce ) ! horde (      sl&]]s :o
 hid !mselves )9 8 %ad[4 ,t is      all4
 ,b :5 all is said1 !re /ill rema9s !   
pity t      our qu>rel %\ld ev] h be54  
,our little lives are too      %ort =   
su* animosities4 ,y\r fri5d is at peace 
)      ,god1--t ,god :o w ju/ify & *]i% 
him1 :o has      dri$ 8 te>s1 & :o w    
turn ! %ad[ ( 8 sad      life-dream into
 full sun%9e4 ,my only regret n[ is t we
      did n meet1--t ,i did n take him  
by ! h&2 b ,i am      old-fa%ion$ en\gh 
to believe t ?is _w is only a           
prelude1 & t our meet+ may take         
place--ev5 yet40  ,to ,rossetti1 ! poet1

 ! accusation ( extoll+ fle%l9ess z !   
di/9ct & supreme end ( art 01 aft] all1 
only an error ( critical judgm5t2 b to  
,rossetti1 ! man1 ! *>ge 0 some?+ f> m  
s]i\s4 ,x 0 a cruel & irrem$iable w\nd  
inflict$ ^u a f9e _s1 s5sitive to attack
 beyond all s5sitiv5ess hi!rto kn[n     
among poets4 ,he :o _h )held 8 pictures 
f exhibition f dread ( ! di/ract+       
influ5ces ( popul> op9ion1 he :o =      
fifte5 ye>s _h )held 8 poems f pr9t 9   
ob$i5ce fir/ to an extreme mode/y (     
p]sonal e/imate & aft]w>ds to ! comm&s (
 a ma/]+ affection 0 likely en\gh at    
=ty-two ye>s ( age 7aft] be+ load$ by ! 
disciples t idolis$ him ) only too mu* (
 ! 8frank9c5se ( praise & myrrh (       
flatt]y07 to feel deeply ! sl&] t he _h 
unpack$ 8 bosom ( unheal?y passions4 ,b 
to say t ,rossetti felt ! sl&] does n   
express 8 s5se ( x4 ,he _h repli$ to 8  
review] & _h act$ unwisely 9 s do+2 b :5
 "o aft] "o--9 ! ,qu>t]ly ,review1 !    
,nor? ,am]ican ,review1 & else:]e1 9    
articles m or less ignorant1 uncritical1

 & /upid--! accusations he _h rebutt$ 7 
repeat$ ) increas$ bitt]ness1 he lo/ all
 hope ( /emm+ ! torr5t ( ho/ile         
criticism4 ,he _h1 z we h se51 = ye>s   
liv$ 9 p>tial retirem5t1 enjoy+ at      
int]vals a g>d5 p>ty beh9d ! h\se1 or   
go+ ab\t occasionally to visit relatives
 & acqua9tances1 b n[ he became entirely
 reclusive1 refus+ to see any fri5ds    
except ! ?ree or f\r intimate ones :o 7 
con/antly ) him4 ,nor did ! mis*ief end 
!re4 ,we h spok5 ( 8 habitual use (     
*loral1 :i* 0 tak5 at fir/ 9 small doses
 z a rem$y = insomnia & aft]w>ds indulg$
 9 to excess at mom5ts ( physical       
pro/ration or n]v\s excitem5t4 ,to t    
false fri5d he came at ?is "t ) only too
 great assiduity1 & ! *loral1 add$ to ! 
seclusive habit ( life1 induc$ a s]ies (
 t]rible ?\gh int]mitt5t illnesses & a  
morbid condition ( m9d 9 :i* = a little 
:ile he 0 ! victim ( _m pa9ful          
delusions4 ,x 0 at ?is "t t ! soo?+     
fri5d%ip ( ,dr4 ,gordon ,hake1 & 8 son  
,mr4 ,george ,hake1 0 ( su* ine/imable  

s]vice to ,rossetti4 ,hav+ appe>$ myself
 on ! sc5e mu* lat] ,i nev] _h !        
privilege ( kn[+ ei!r ( ^! two g5tlem51 
= ,mr4 ,george ,hake 0 already gone away
 to ,cyprus & ,dr4 ,hake _h retir$ v mu*
 into ! bosom ( 8 own family :]e1 z is  
rum\r$1 he has be5 engag$ ^u a lit]>y "w
 :i* w e/abli% 8 fame4 ,b ,i h (t5 he>d 
,mr4 ,!odore ,watts speak ) deep emotion
 & eloqu5t en?usiasm ( ! t5d] k9dness & 
loyal zeal %[n to ,rossetti dur+ ?is    
crisis by ,mr4 ,bell ,scott1 & by ,dr4  
,hake & 8 son4 ,z to ,mr4 ,!odore       
,watts1 ^: bro!rly devotion to him1 &   
b5eficial influ5ce ov] him f t "t =w>d  
are s well kn[n1 ?is mu/ be consid]$ by 
^? :o witness$ x to be almo/ )\t prec$5t
 or p>allel ev5 9 ! beautiful /ory (    
lit]>y fri5d%ips1 & x does z mu* hon\r  
to ! "o z to ! o!r4 ,no light matt] x   
mu/ h be5 to lay aside "o's own         
long-*]i%$ life-"w & lit]>y ambitions to
 be ,rossetti's close/ fri5d & bro!r1 at
 a mom5t l ! pres5t1 :5 he imag9$ ! _w  
to be conspir+ aga9/ him2 b ?r\gh ^!    

evil days1 & long aft] !m d[n to 8 dea?1
 ! fri5d t clung clos] ?an a bro!r 0 )  
him1 z he himself said1 to protect1 to  
soo!1 to com=t1 to div]t1 to int]e/1 &  
inspire him--ask+1 meantime1 no bett]   
rew>d ?an ! k t a noble m9d & nature 0  
by su* sacrifice lift$ out ( sorr[4     
,among ! _w's great m5 ! greate/ are    
sometimes ^? ^: names are lea/ on our   
lips1 & ?is is because selfi% aims h be5
 s subord9ate 9 _! lives to ! welf>e (  
o!rs z to leave no "t = ! p]sonal       
a*ievem5ts t w9 p]sonal di/9ction2 b :5 
! _w comes to ! k ( ! price t has be5   
paid = ! devotion t enables o!rs to     
enjoy _! r5[n1 %all x n rew>d ) a d\ble 
me$ ( gratitude ! f9e spirits to :om    
ambition has be5 z no?+ aga9/ fidelity (
 fri5d%ip8 ,among ! late/ words ,i he>d 
f ,rossetti 0 ?is3 8,watts is a h]o (   
fri5d%ip20 & inde$ he has display$ 8    
capacity = p>ticipation 9 ! noble/ "p ( 
comrade%ip1 t "p1 namely1 :i* is f>     
above ! m]e traffic t too (t5 goes by ! 
"n1 & :]e9 self-love always c\nts ^u be+

 ! ga9]4 ,if 9 ! end x %\ld appe> t he  
has 9 8 own p]son done less ?an might h 
be5 hop$ = f "o possess$ ( 8 spl5did    
gifts1 let x n be ov]look$ t he has     
influ5c$ 9 a q incalculable degree1 &   
influ5c$ = good1 sev]al ( ! =emo/ among 
^? :o 9 _! turn h influ5c$ ! age4 ,z    
,rossetti's fai?ful fri5d1 & gift$      
m$ical advis]1 ,mr4 ,john ,m>%all has   
(t5 decl>$1 !re 7 p]iods :5 ,rossetti's 
v life may be said to h hung ^u ,mr4    
,watts's p[] to *e] & soo!4  ,ef=ts 7   
afoot ab\t ! ye> #ahgb to induce        
,rossetti to visit ,italy--a j\rney :i*1
 /rangely en\gh1 he _h nev] made--b ?is 
he c\ld n be prevail$ ^u to d4 ,9 ! hope
 ( div]t+ 8 m9d f ! un:olesome matt]s t 
too l>gely engag$ x1 8 bro!r & fri5ds1  
prom95t among :om at ?is "t 7 ,mr4 ,bell
 ,scott1 ,mr4 ,=d ,madox ,br[n1 ,mr4 ,w4
 ,graham1 & ,dr4 ,gordon ,hake1 z well z
 8 assi/ant & fri5d1 ,mr4 ,h4 ,t4 ,dunn1
 & ,mr4 ,george ,hake1 induc$ him to    
seek a *ange 9 ,scotl&1 & !re he spe$ily
 recov]$ tone4  ,imm$iately ^u !        

publication ( 8 fir/ volume1 & incit$   
!reto by ! e>ly success ( x1 he _h      
writt5 ! poem ,rose ,m>y1 z well z two  
lyrics publi%$ at ! "t 9 ,! ,=tnightly  
,review2 b he suff]$ s s]i\sly f !      
subsequ5t assaults ( criticism1 t he    
seem$ def9itely to lay aside all hope ( 
produc+ fur!r poetry1 &1 inde$1 to      
become possess$ ( ! delusion t he _h =  
ev] lo/ all p[] ( do+ s4 ,x is an       
int]e/+ fact1 well kn[n 9 8 own lit]>y  
circle1 t 8 tak+ up poetry afre% 0 !    
result ( a =tuit\s occurr5ce4 ,aft] "o (
 8 mo/ s]i\s illnesses1 & 9 ! hope (    
draw+ (f 8 att5tion f himself1 & f !    
gloomy =ebod+s :i* 9 an invalid's m9d   
usually ga!r ab\t 8 own too absorb+     
p]sonality1 a fri5d prevail$ ^u him1 )  
inf9ite solicitation1 to try 8 h& afre% 
at a sonnet4 ,! outcome 0 an ef=t s     
feeble z to be all b unrecognisable z ! 
"w ( ! au?or ( ! sonnets ( ,! ,h\se (   
,life1 b ) m %rewdness & fri5dl9ess 7on 
?is occasion7 ?an frankness1 ! critic   
lavi%$ measureless praise ^u x1 & urg$ !

 poet to r5ew$ ex]tion4 ,"o by "o1 at   
long] or %ort] int]vals1 sonnets 7      
writt51 & ?is ex]cise did m t[>ds 8     
recov]y ?an any o!r m$ic9e1 ) ! result  
besides t ,rossetti ev5tually rega9$ all
 8 old dext]ity & ma/]y ( h&4 ,!        
artifice _h succe$$ beyond e expectation
 =m$ ( x1 s]v+1 inde$1 ! tw(old end (   
improv+ ! invalid's heal? by prev5t+ 8  
brood+ ov] unheal?y matt]s1 & increas+ !
 numb] ( 8 accompli%$ works4 ,enc\rag$  
by su* results1 ! fri5d w5t on to induce
 ,rossetti to write a ballad1 & ?is     
purpose he f9ally a*iev$ by *all5g+ !   
poet's ability to compose 9 ! simple1   
direct1 & emphatic /yle1 :i* is ! /yle (
 ! ballad prop]1 z di/+ui%$ f !         
elaborate1 ornate1 & cond5s$ diction :i*
 he _h hi!rto work$ 94 ,put ^u 8 mettle1
 ! outcome ( ?is second artifice        
practis$ ^u him1 0 t he wrote ,! ,:ite  
,%ip1 & aft]w>ds ,! ,k+'s ,trag$y4  ,?us
 0 ,rossetti already imm]s$ 9 ?is reviv$
 occupation ( poetic composition1 & _h  
recov]$ a heal?y99 tone ( body1 be=e he 

became consci\s ( :at 0 be+ done ) him4 
,x is a fur!r amus+ fact t "o day he    
reque/$ to be %[n ! fir/ sonnet :i*1 9  
view ( ! praise lavi%$ ^u x by ! fri5d  
on ^: judgm5t he repos$1 _h enc\rag$ him
 to r5ew$ ef=t4 ,! sonnet 0 bad3 !      
critic knew x 0 bad1 & _h f ! fir/ h\r (
 its production kept x c>efully out (   
sight1 & 0 n[ m ?an ev] unwill+ to %[ x4
 ,ev5tually1 h[ev]1 by reason (         
ceaseless importunity1 he return$ x to  
its au?or1 :o1 ^u read+ x1 cri$3 8,y    
fraud6 y said ?is sonnet 0 good1 & x's !
 wor/ ,i ev] wrote40 8,! wor/ ev] writt5
 w\ld p]haps be a tru] criticism10 0 !  
reply1 z ! /udio res\nd$ ) a he>ty      
laugh1 & ! poem 0 committ$ to ! flames4 
,x w\ld appe> t to ?is occurr5ce we     
probably owe a l>ge portion ( ! cont5ts 
( ! volume ( #ahha4  ,z we say1 ,rose   
,m>y 0 ! fir/ to be writt5 ( ! lead+    
poems t f\nd places 9 8 f9al volume4    
,?is ballad 7or ballad romance1 = ballad
 x c h>dly be call$7 is ak9 to ,si/]    
,hel5 9 motif4 ,! sup]/ition involv$    

owes some?+ 9 ?is case z 9 ! o!r to !   
inv5tion & poetic bias ( ! poet4 ,x has1
 h[ev]1 less ( :at has be5 call$ !      
,ca?olic elem5t1 & is m purely ,pagan4  
,x is1 !re=e1 z entirely undi/urb$ by   
animosity aga9/ h]esy1 & is conc]n$ only
 ) an ultimate demoniacal ju/ice visit+ 
! wrongdo]4 ,! ma9 po9t ( div]g5cy lies 
9 ! circum/ance t ,rose ,m>y1 unlike    
,hel51 is ! undesign+ in/rum5t ( evil   
p[]s1 & t h] bl9d de$ is ! means by :i* 
h] own & h] lov]'s s9 & 8 trea*]y become
 reveal$4 ,a fur!r mat]ial po9t (       
div]g5cy lies 9 ! fact t unlike ,hel51  
:o loses h] s\l 7z ! price ( rev5ge1    
direct$ aga9/ h] betray]71 ,rose ,m>y   
loses h] life 7z ! price ( v5geance     
direct$ aga9/ ! evil race71 :il/ h] s\l 
ga9s re/4 ,! sup]/ition is t associat$ )
 ! b]yl /one1 :]e9 ! pure only may read 
! future1 & f :i* s9ful eyes mu/ *ase ! 
spirits ( grace & leave _! realm to be  
usurp$ by ! spirits ( fire1 :o seal up !
 tru? or reveal x by contr>ies4 ,rose   
,m>y1 :o has s9n$ ) h] lov]1 is bidd5 to

 look 9 ! b]yl & le>n :]e lurks ! ambu% 
t waits to take 8 life z he rides at    
break ( day4 ,hid+1 b rememb]+ h]       
transgression1 %e at fir/ %r9ks1 b at   
l5g? submits1 & ! bless$ spirits by :om 
! /one has be5 t5ant$ give place to !   
fi]y tra94 ,! /one is n seal$ to h]2 & !
 long spell be+ m9i/]$1 %e is satisfi$4 
,b %e has read ! /one by contr>ies1 & h]
 lov] falls into ! h& ( 8 enemy4 ,by 8  
dea? is _! secret s9 made kn[n4 ,& !n a 
new] %ame is reveal$1 n to h] eyes1 b to
 h] "m's3 ev5 ! trea*]y ( ! murd]$ man4 
,ignorant ( ?is to ! end1 ,eose ,m>y    
seeks to "w a tw(old ransom+ by bani%+ f
 ! b]yl ! evil p[]s4 ,) ! sword ( h]    
fa!r 7by :om ! accurs$ gift _h be5      
br\ght f ,pale/9e71 %e cleaves ! he>t ( 
! /one1 & ) ! brok5 spell h] own life   
breaks4  ,x w readily be se5 t ! s*eme (
 ! ballad does n af=d opportunity = a   
memorable incursion 9 ! doma9 ( "*4     
,rose ,m>y h]self z a creation is n     
comp>able ) ,hel54 ,b ! ballad ?r\gh\t  
is nev]!less a triumph ( ! high]        

imag9ation4 ,n[h]e else 7to take ! l[e/ 
gr\nd7 has ,rossetti display$ s great a 
gift ( fla%+ images ^u ! m9d at once by 
a s+le expression4       ,closely lock$1
 !y clung )\t spee*1      ,& ! mirror$  
s\ls %ook ea* to ea*1      ,z !         
cl\d-moon & ! wat]-moon      ,%ake face 
to face :5 ! dim />s swoon      ,9 /ormy
 b[]s ( ! night's mid-noon4       ,deep 
! flood & heavy ! %ock      ,:5 sea     
meets sea 9 ! riv5 rock3      ,b calm is
 ! pulse t %akes ! sea      ,to !       
prison$ tide ( doom set free      ,9 !  
break+ he>t ( ,rose ,m>y4       ,%e knew
 %e _h wad$ bosom-deep      ,along      
dea?'s bank 9 ! s$ge ( sleep4      ,& n[
 9 ,eose ,m>y's lift$ eye      #8,twas  
%ad[ alone t made reply      ,to ! set  
face ( ! s\l's d>k %y4  ,nor has        
,rossetti any:]e display$ a m su/a9$    
picturesqu5ess4 ,"o episode /&s =?      
vividly ev5 among s _m t are conspicu\s4
 ,! "m has left h] daught] 9 a swoon to 
seek help ( ! prie/ :o has knelt        
unwe>i$ly by ! dead body ( h] daught]'s 

lov]1 n[ ly+ on ! +le-b5* 9 ! hall4 ,:5 
! prie/ has gone & ! ca/le folk h left  
h] alone1 ! lady s9ks to h] knees beside
 ! corpse4 ,great wrong ! dead man has  
done to h] & h]s1 & p]haps ,god has     
wr\ght ?is doom ( 8 = a sign2 b well %e 
kn[s1 or ?9ks %e kn[s1 t if life _h     
rema9$ ) him 8 love w\ld h be5 security 
= _! hon\r4 ,%e /oops ) a sob to kiss ! 
dead1 b be=e h] lips t\* ! cold br[ %e  
sees a packet half-hidd5 9 ! dead man's 
brea/4 ,x is a fold$ pap] ab\t :i* !    
blood f a spe>-?ru/ has gr[n clott$1 &  
inside is a tress ( gold5 hair4 ,"s     
pl$ge ( h] *ild's %e ?9ks x1 & proce$s  
to undo ! pap]'s folds1 & !n le>ns !    
trea*]y ( ! fall5 knight & suff]s a     
bitt]] pang ?an came ( ! k ( h]         
daught]'s di%on\r4 ,x is a love-missive 
f ! si/] ( 8 foe & murd]]4       ,%e    
rose upright ) a long l[ moan1      ,&  
/>$ 9 ! dead man's face new-kn[n4       
,_h x liv$ inde$8 %e sc>ce c\ld tell3   
#8,twas a cl\d :]e fi5ds _h come to     
dwell1--      ,a mask t hung on ! gate (

 ,hell4       ,%e lift$ ! lock ( gleam+ 
hair1      ,& smote ! lips & left x !re4
      8,"h's gold t ,hell %all take = ?y
 toll6      ,full well ha? ?y treason   
f\nd its goal1      ,o ?\ dead body &   
damn$ s\l60  ,any?+ f9] ?an ?is x w\ld  
be h>d to discov] 9 ,engli% n>rative    
poetry4 ,e ^w goes to build up ! /ory3 e
 l9e is qu9tess5tial3 e fla% ( ?\ght    
helps to height5 ! emotion4 ,inde$ !    
clos+ l9es rise entirely above ! limits 
( ballad poetry into ! realm ( dramatic 
diction4 ,b p]haps ! cr[n+ glory & epic 
gr&eur ( ! poem comes at ! close4       
,awak5$ f h] swoon1 ,rose ,m>y makes h] 
way to ! alt>-cell & !re %e sees !      
b]yl-/one ly+ betwe5 ! w+s ( "s         
sculptur$ bea/4 ,)9 ! fat$ glass %e     
beholds ,dea?1 ,sorr[1 ,s9 & ,%ame      
m>%all$ pa/ 9 ! gl>e ( a wri?+ flame1 & 
!reupon foll[s a sc5e sc>cely less      
t]rible ?an ,juliet's vision ( ! tomb ( 
! ,capulets4 ,b %e has be5 told )9 ?is  
h\r t h] weak h& %all s5d h5ce ! evil   
race by :om ! /one is possess$1 & ) a   

/]n purpose %e rea*es h] fa!r's d9t$    
sword4 ,!n :5 ! b]yl is cleft to ! core1
 & ,rose ,m>y lies 9 h] la/ graci\s     
sleep--       ,) a cold br[ l ! sn[s ere
 ,may1      ,) a cold brea/ l ! e>? till
 spr+1      ,) su* a smile z ! ,june    
days br+--      ,a cle> voice pron\nces 
h] beatitude3       ,already ?y he>t    
rememb]e?      ,no m 8 "n ?\ s\ght'/ 9  
dea?3      ,= "u all deeps1 all heights 
above1--      ,s wide ! gulf 9 ! mid/   
!re(1--      ,are ,hell ( ,treason &    
,heav5 ( ,love4       ,!e1 true s\l1    
%all ?y tru? pref]      ,to bless$      
,m>y's rose-b[]3      ,w>m$ & lit is ?y 
place af>      ,) gu]don-fires ( ! sweet
 love-/>1      ,:]e he>ts ( /eadfa/     
lov]s are4  ,! ,:ite ,%ip 0 writt5 9    
#ahhj2 ,! ,k+'s ,trag$y 9 ! spr+ (      
#ahha4 ,^! hi/orical ballads we mu/     
briefly consid] toge!r4 ,! memorable    
ev5ts ( :i* ,rossetti has made poetic   
record are1 9 ,! ,:ite ,%ip1 ^?         
associat$ ) ! wreck ( ! %ip 9 :i* ! son 
& daught] ( ,h5ry ,i4 ( ,engl& set sail 

f ,france1 & 9 ,! ,k+'s ,trag$y1 ) !    
dea? ( ,james ! ,fir/ ( ,scots4 ,! /ory 
( ! "o is told by ! sole survivor1      
,h]old1 ! but*] ( ,r\52 & ( ! o!r by    
,ca!r9e ,d\glas1 ! maid ( hon\r :o      
receiv$ popul>ly ! "n ( ,kate ,b>lass1 9
 recognition ( h] h]oic act :5 %e b>r$ !
 door ) h] arm aga9/ ! murd]]s ( ! ,k+4 
,x is sc>cely possible to conceive 9    
ei!r case a diction m p]fectly adapt$ to
 ! p]son by :om x is employ$4 ,if we    
comp>e ! language ( ^! ballads ) t ( !  
sonnets or o!r poems spok5 9 ! au?or's  
own p]son1 we f9d x is n fir/ ( all     
gorge\s1 cond5s$1 emphatic4 ,x is       
direct1 simple1 pure & musical2         
height5$1 x is true1 by imag]y acquir$ 9
 its passage ?r\gh ! m$ium ( ! poet's   
m9d1 b 9 o!r respects ess5tially !      
language ( ! hi/orical p]sonages :o are 
made to speak4 ,! diction belongs 9 ea* 
case to ! p]iod ( ! ballad 9 :i* x is   
employ$1 & yet !re is no wanton use (   
ar*aisms1 or any disposition manife/$ to
 resort to m]etrici\s artifices by :i*  

to imp>t an appe>ance ( probability to !
 /ory o!r ?an t :i* comes legitimately (
 %e] n>rative excell5ce4 ,!             
*>act]isation is t ( hi/ory ) ! features
 s(t5$ t con/itut$ ! prose ( real life1 
& ) ! sali5t1 moral1 & intellectual     
l9eam5ts br\ght into relief4 ,h]e9 !    
ballad may d t f9al ju/ice :i* hi/ory   
itself )holds4 ,?us ! ,k+ ,h5ry ( ,!    
,:ite ,%ip is gov]n$ by lu/ ( dom9ion m 
?an by p>5tal affection2 & ! ,pr9ce1 8  
son1 is a lawless1 %ameless y\?2        
intol]ant1 tyrannical1 luxuri\s1        
voluptu\s1 yet capable ( self-sacrifice 
ev5 amid/ p]il ( dea?4       ,:5 he %\ld
 be ,k+1 he (t w\ld v[1      ,he #8d    
yoke ! peasant to 8 own pl\gh4          
,o'er him ! %ips score _! furr[s n[4    
,god only kn[s :]e 8 s\l did wake1      
,b ,i saw him die = 8 si/]'s sake4  ,!  
,k+ ,james ( ,! ,k+'s ,trag$y is ( a    
righte\s & fe>less nature1 /rong yet    
s5sitive1 unb5d+ be=e ! pride & hate (  
p[]ful m51 resolute1 & ready ev5 :]e    
fate itself decl>es t dea? lurks :]e 8  

road mu/ lie2 8 beautiful ,que5 ,jane is
 sweet1 t5d]1 lov+1 devot$--meet sp\se =
 a poet & k+4 ,! incid5ts too are ^? (  
hi/ory3 ! *oice & f9al collocation ( !m1
 & ! clos+ sc5e 9 :i* ! que5 m\rns h]   
husb&1 be+ ! sum ( ! au?or's            
contribution4 ,& ^? incid5ts are 9 !    
highe/ degree v>i$ & picturesque4 ,!    
au?or has n a*iev$ a m vivid pictorial  
pres5tm5t ?an is display$ 9 ^! late/    
ballads f 8 p54 ,x w\ld be h>d to f9d 9 
8 e>li] "w any?+ be>+ m cle>ly ! /amp ( 
reality ?an ! descriptions ( ! wreck 9  
,! ,:ite ,%ip1 ( ! two dr[n+ m5 toge!r  
on ! ma9y>d1 ( ! morn+ dawn+ ov] ! dim  
sea-sky--       ,at la/ ! morn+ rose on 
! sea      ,l an angel's w+ t beat t[>ds
 me--  & ( ! little gold5-hair$ boy 9   
black ^: foot patt]s d[n ! c\rt ( ! k+4 
,c]ta9ly ,rossetti has nev] atta9$ a    
high] pictorial level ?an he rea*es 9 ! 
descriptions ( ! summon$ ,p>liam5t 9 ,! 
,k+'s ,trag$y1 ( ! j\rney to ! ,*>t]h\se
 ( ,p]?1 ( ! woman on ! rock ( ! black  
bea* ( ! ,scotti% sea1 ( ! k+ s++ to !  

que5 ! song he made :ile immur$ by      
,bol+broke at ,w9dsor1 ( ! knock ( !    
woman at ! out] gate1 ( h] voice at     
night b5ea? ! w9d[1 ( ! dea? 9 ,! ,pit (
 ,=tune's ,:eel4 ,b all less]           
excell5cies mu/ make way 9 our reg>d    
be=e a di/+ui%+ spiritualis+ elem5t :i* 
exi/s 9 ^! ballads only1 or ma9ly among/
 ! au?or's works4 ,natural port5ts are  
"h fir/ employ$ z factors ( poetic      
creation4 ,pres5tim5t1 =ebod+1 om5      
become ! ess5tial tissue ( works t are  
lift$ by !m into ! high] realm (        
imag9ation4 ,^! sup]natural con/itu5ts  
p5etrate & p]vade ,! ,:ite ,%ip2 & ,!   
,k+'s ,trag$y is saturat$ 9 ! _s ( !m4  
,we d n speak ( ! incid5ts associat$ ) !
 wrai? t haunts ! isles1 b ( ! less     
palpable t\*es :i* convey ! sc>ce       
explicable s5se ( a *ange ( voice :5 !  
k+ s+s ( ! pit t is "u =tune's :eel3    
,& "u ! :eel1 beheld ,i !re         ,an 
ugly ,pit z deep z hell1      ,t to     
behold ,i quak$ = fe>3         ,& ?is ,i
 he>d1 t :o !re9 fell      ,came no m   

up1 tid+s to tell3      ,:]eat1 a/\nd ( 
! fe>ful sight1      ,i wot n :at to d =
 fright4                7,! ,k+'s       
,quair47  ,x is ! %ad[ ( ! sup]natural t
 hangs ov] ! k+1 & v soon x mu/ en%r\d  
him4 ,"o ( ! mo/ subtle & impressive ( !
 natural port5ts is t :i* pres5ts itself
 to ! eyes ( ,ca!r9e :5 ! leagu]s h fir/
 left ! *amb]1 & ! moon goes out &      
leaves black ! royal armorial %ield on !
 pa9t$ w9d[-pane3       ,& ! ra9 _h     
ceas$1 & ! moonbeams lit         ,! w9d[
 high 9 ! wall1--      ,bright beams t  
on ! plank t ,i knew         ,?r\gh !   
pa9t$ pane did fall      ,& gleam$ ) !  
spl5d\r ( ,scotl&'s cr[n         ,&     
%ield armorial4       ,b !n a great w9d 
swept up ! skies1         ,& ! climb+   
moon fell back2      ,& ! royal blazon  
fl$ f ! floor1         ,& n\ght rema9$  
on its track2      ,& high 9 ! d>k5$    
w9d[-pane         ,! %ield & ! cr[n 7   
black4  ,x has be5 said t ,si/] ,hel5   
/rikes ! keynote ( ,rossetti's creative 
gift2 x ought to be add$ t ,! ,k+'s     

,trag$y t\*es 8 highe/ rea* (           
imag9ation4  ,hav+ 9 ! e>ly "p ( #ahha  
br\ght toge!r a suffici5t quantity (    
fre% poetry to fill a volume1 ,rossetti 
began negotiations = publi%+ x4         
,anticipatory ann\ncem5ts 7 at t "t     
con/antly appe>+ 9 _m qu>t]s1 n r>ely   
accompani$ by an outspok5 disbelief 9 ! 
poet's ability to a*ieve a second       
success equal to 8 fir/4 ,9 ?is way x   
(t5 happ5s to an au?or1 t1 hav+ a*iev$ a
 s+le conspicu\s triumph1 ! public m9d1 
:i* has spontane\sly (f]$ him ! tribute 
( a g5]\s recognition1 =?) gravitates   
t[>ds a disposition to become sil5tly b 
unmi/akeably sceptical ( 8 p[] to repeat
 x4 ,subsequ5t ef=t 9 su* a case is     
r>ely reg>d$ ) t confid5ce :i* might be 
look$ = z ! rew>d ( a*ievem5t1 & :i*    
goes f> to prep>e ! m9d = ! ready       
acceptance ( any g5u9e triumph4 ,inde$1 
a jeal\s attitude is (t5 unconsci\sly   
adopt$1 involv+ a dem& = special        
qualities1 = :i*1 p]*ance1 ! peculi> "* 
( ! pa/ success has creat$ an appetite1 

or ob$i5ce to c]ta9 arbitr>y te/s1 :i*1 
?\gh passively pres5t 9 ! recognis$ "w1 
h gr[n ma9ly out ( critical analysis (  
x1 & are nei!r radical nor ess5tial4    
,:]e1 moreov]1 su* conspicu\s success   
has be5 foll[$ by an int]val ( ye>s     
di/+ui%$ by no signal ef=t1 ! sceptical 
bias ( ! public m9d sometimes           
complac5tly settles into a conviction   
7grateful alike to its pride & envy1    
:il/ consci\sly hurtful to its m g5]\s  
impulses71 t ! man :o made x liv$ once  
inde$ ^u ! m\nta9s1 b has at l5g? come  
d[n to dwell f9ally ^u ! pla94 ,lit]>y  
biography furni%es abundant examples (  
?is imp]fection ( "*1 a foible1 inde$1  
:i* 9 its multi=m manife/ations1        
probably goes z f> z any?+ else to      
int]f]e ) ! =mation ( a j & f9al judgm5t
 ( an au?or's m]it )9 8 own lifetime4   
,:5 x goes ! l5g? ( affirm+ t ev5 a     
great writ]'s creative activity usually 
f9ds n m]ely c5tral realisation1 b      
absolute exhau/ion )9 ! limits ( "s s+le
 "w1 to reason aga9/ x is futile1 & l5g?

 ( "t af=ds x ! only satisfy+           
refutation4 ,"o w\ld ?9k t x c\ld       
sc>cely require to be urg$ t creative   
impulse1 once exi/5t )9 a m9d1 c nev]   
:olly dep>t f x1 b mu/ rema9 to ! end1  
dep5d5t1 p]haps1 = its expression 9 "s  
measure on ext]nal prompt+s1 v>iable ) !
 v>iations ( physical environm5ts1 b    
always ga!r+ innate /r5g? = ! h\r 7sil5t
 p]*ance1 or audible only )9 o!r        
sph]es71 :5 ! inv5tive faculty %all be  
h>monis$1 animat$1 & lubricat$ to its   
utmo/ height4 ,nev]!less1 ,col]idge     
enc\nt]$ ! impli$ d\btfulness ( 8       
contempor>ies1 t ! gift rema9$ ) him to 
c>ry to its completion ! execution ( t  
mo/ subtle mid-day wit*]y1 :i*1 z begun 
9 ,*ri/abel1 is probably ! mo/ difficult
 & elusive ?+ ev] attempt$ 9 ! field (  
romance4 ,goe!1 too1 f\nd himself face  
to face ) outspok5 di/ru/ ( 8           
cont9uation ( ,fau/2 & ev5 ,c]vantes _h 
p]=ce to *all5ge ! popul> judgm5t :i*   
long refus$ to all[ t ! second "p ( ,don
 ,quixote1 ) all its add$ significance1 

0 adequate to 8 orig9al simple          
conception4 ,inde$ t au?or mu/ be       
consid]$ =tunate :o effects a rev]sal ( 
! public judgm5t aga9/ ! completion ( a 
fragm5t1 & ! repetition ( a complete &  
conspicu\s success4  ,:5 ,rossetti      
publi%$ 8 fir/ volume ( poems 9 #ahgj1  
he left only 8 ,h\se ( ,life incomplete2
 b among/ ! read]s :o !n (f]$ spontane\s
 tribute to t s]ies ( sonnets1 & /ill   
treasur$ x z a "w ( all b faultless     
symmetry1 built up by aid ( a bl5d$     
inspiration caught equally f ,%akspe>e &
 f ,dante1 ) a sup]add$ psy*ical quality
 peculi> to its au?or1 !re 7 _m1 ev5    
among/ ! fri5dlie/ 9 sympa?y1 :o he>d ( 
! complet$ sequ5ce ) a s5se ( d\bt4 ,su*
 is ! sil5t & unreason+ & all b         
irrevocable edict ( all popul> criticism
 aga9/ cont9uations ( works :i* h 9     
fragm5t>y =m once made conque/ ( !      
popul> imag9ation4 ,moreov]1 ,rossetti's
 fir/ volume a*iev$ a success s signal &
 unexpect$ z to subject ?is second &    
matur] book to ! prelim9>y ordeal ( su* 

a que/ion+ attitude ( m9d z we speak (1 
z ! unfail+ & ungraci\s rew>d ( a       
conspicu\s triumph4 ,9 ! int]val ( elev5
 ye>s1 ,rossetti _h essay$ no notable   
a*ievem5t1 & 8 "n _h be5 f\nd atta*$    
only to su* fugitive ef=ts z may h liv$ 
f "t to "t a brief life 9 ! pages ( !   
,a!num & ,=tnightly4 ,( ! works 9 "q two
 only come n[ )9 our prov9ce to m5tion4 
,! fir/ & mo/ memorable 0 ! poem ,cl\d  
,conf9es4 ,inadequate z ! critical      
att5tion necess>ily 0 :i* ?is rem>kable 
lyric obta9$1 indications 7 n want+ t x 
_h laid unconqu]able siege to !         
sympa?ies ( t section ( ! public 9 ^:   
en?usiasm ! life ( e creative "w is se5 
*iefly to abide4 ,!re 0 9 x a lyrical   
sweetness sc>cely ev] previ\sly compass$
 by its au?or1 a cad5t und]ton$ symphony
 t fir/ gave te/imony t ! poet held !   
p[] ( convey+ by words a s5sible eflfect
 ( great music1 ev5 z =m] works ( 8 _h  
giv5 te/imony to 8 p[] ( convey+ a      
s5sible eflfect by great pa9t+4 ,b to ^!
 metrical excell5cies 0 add$ an elem5t  

new to ,rossetti's poetry1 or se5 "h = !
 fir/ "t conspicu\sly4 ,insight &       
imag9ation ( a high ord]1 toge!r ) a    
poetic in/9ct ^: prompt+s 7 sure1 _h    
already f\nd expression 9 m ?an "o      
creation m\ld$ into an innate *a/5ess ( 
p]fect$ p>ts & w$d$ to nature ) an un]r+
 fidelity4 ,b ! range ( nature 0        
circumscrib$1 save only 9 ! "o exception
 ( a "w ?robb+ ) ! suff]+s & sorr[s ( a 
%ad[$ side ( mod]n life4 ,to ?is lyric1 
h[ev]1 !re came z basis a fundam5tal    
conception t made aim to grapple ) !    
pro-f\nde/ problems compass$ by !       
my/]ies ( life & dea?1 & a temp] to     
yield only :]e human p]ception fails4   
,ab/ract inde$ 9 !me ! lyric is1 b few  
are ! products ( ?\ght out ( :i*        
imag9ation has delv$ a m concrete & v>i$
 picturesqu5ess3       ,:at ( ! he>t (  
hate         ,t beats 9 ?y brea/1 ,o    
,"t8--         ,b$ /rife f ! fur!/      
prime1      ,& angui% ( fi]ce debate2 t 
%att]s h] sla91         ,& peace t gr9ds
 !m z gra91         ,& eyes fix$ ev] 9  

va9      ,on ! pitiless eyes ( ,fate4   
,! second ( ! fugitive ef=ts allud$ to 0
 a prose "w entitl$ ,h& & ,s\l4 ,m poem 
?an /ory1 ?is beautiful idyl may be     
briefly describ$ z ma9ly illu/rative ( !
 /ruggles ( ! transition p]iod ?r\gh    
:i*1 z ?r\gh a sl\gh1 all true arti/s   
mu/ pass :o h be5 l$ to reflect deeply  
^u ! aims & ends ( _! call+ be=e !y     
atta9 t goal ( settl$ purpose 9 :i* !y  
see x to be be/ to "w f _! own he>t     
simply1 )\t reg>d = ! spectres t w\ld   
draw !m ap>t into quagmires ( moral     
aspiration4 ,^! two works & an          
occasional sonnet1 su* z t on ! greatly 
gift$ & untimely lo/ ,oliv] ,madox      
,br[n1 made ! sum ( all 99 t 0 done1 9 !
 int]val ( elev5 ye>s betwe5 ! dates ( !
 fir/ volume & ( t :i* 0 n[ to be       
publi%$1 to keep be=e ! public a "n :i* 
rose at once into di/9ction1 & _h s9ce1 
)\t fev]i% p]iodical bol/]+1 gr[n n less
 b m 9 ! ard5t uphold+ ( s9c]e m5 :o1 9 
numb] & influ5ce1 compris$ a foll[+ z   
consid]able p]haps z own$ allegiance to 

any contempor>y4       99 ,a ballad     
appe>$ 9 ,! ,d>k ,blue4  ,hav+ br\ght ^!
 biographical & critical notes to ! po9t
 at :i* !y ov]lap ! p]sonal             
recollections t =m ! body ( ?is volume1 
x only rema9s to say t dur+ ! ye>s 9 :i*
 ! poems j review$ 7 be+ writt5         
,rossetti 0 liv+ at 8 h\se 9 ,*elsea a  
life ( unbrok5 retirem5t4 ,at ?is "t1   
h[ev] 7#ahgg-ha71 8 seclusion 0 n s     
complete z x _h be5 :5 he us$ to see    
sc>cely any "o b ,mr4 ,watts & 8 own    
family1 ) an occasional visit f ,"l &   
,lady ,m\nt ,temple1 ,mrs4 ,sumn]1 etc4 
,once weekly he 0 n[ visit$ by 8 bro!r  
,william1 twice weekly by 8 atta*$ &    
gift$ fri5d ,fr$]ick ,j4 ,%ields1       
occasionally by 8 old fri5ds ,william   
,bell ,scott & ,=d ,madox ,br[n4 ,= !   
re/1 he r>ely if ev] left ! prec9cts ( 8
 home4 ,x 0 a placid & undi/urb$ exi/5ce
 su* z he lov$4 ,heal? too 7except = "o 
s]i\s attack 9 #ahgg71 0 good ) him1 & 8
 en]gies 71 z we h se51 at _! be/4  ,8  
p]sonal amiability 01 p]haps1 nev] m    

conspicu\s ?an 9 ^! tranquil ye>s2 yet  
?is 0 ! v "t :5 p>agraphs injuri\s to 8 
"* f\nd _! way into c]ta9 j\rnals4      
,among ! num]\s /ories illu/rative ( 8  
alleg$ b>b>ity ( mann]s 0 ! "o :i* has  
(t5 be5 repeat$ bo? 9 conv]sation & 9   
pr9t to ! effect t ,h4,e4,h4 ! ,pr9cess 
,l\ise 0 rudely repuls$ f 8 door4       
,rossetti 0 c]ta9ly n easy to approa*1 b
 ! g5iality ( 8 p]sonal be>+ t[>ds ^? :o
 _h comm&s ^u 8 e/eem 0 always unfail+1 
& k ( ?is fact mu/ h be5 en\gh to give !
 lie to ! injuri\s calumny j nam$4      
,nev]!less1 ,rossetti1 :o 0 deeply mov$ 
by ! imputation1 ?\ght x necess>y to    
contradict x emphatically1 & z ! lett] 9
 :i* he did ?is is a ?or\ghly outspok5 &
 manly "o1 & t\*es an important po9t 9 8
 "*1 ,i repr9t x 9 ?is place3       #af 
,*eyne ,walk1 ,*elsea1 ,s4,w41 ,decemb] 
#bh1 #ahgh4       ,my att5tion has be5  
direct$ to ! foll[+ p>agraph      :i*   
has appe>$ 9 ! newspap]s3--8,a v        
disagreeable      /ory is told ab\t a   
neighb\r ( ,mr4 ,:i/l]'s1 ^:      works 

are n exhibit$ to ! vulg> h]d2 !        
,pr9cess      ,l\ise 9 h] zeal1 !re=e1  
graci\sly s\ght !m at !      arti/'s    
/udio1 b 0 rebuff$ by a #8,n at home' & 
an      intimation t he 0 n at ! beck & 
call (      pr9cesses4 ,i tru/ x is n   
true10 cont9ues ! writ] (      !        
p>agraph1 8t s m$ievally m9d$ a g5tleman
 is      really a /rang] to t g5]\s     
loyalty to rank & sex1      t dignifi$  
ob$i5ce10 etc4       ,! /ory is c]ta9ly 
8disagreeable0 en\gh2 b if ,i am        
po9t$ at z ! 8ne> neighb\r ( ,mr4       
,:i/l]'s0 :o      rebuff$1 9 ?is rude   
fa%ion1 ! ,pr9cess ,l\ise1 ,i c         
only say t x is a can>d devoid ( !      
smalle/      nucleus ( tru?4 ,h] ,royal 
,highness has nev] call$ ^u      me2 &  
,i "k ( only two occasions :5 %e has    
express$      a wi% to d s4 ,"s ye>s ago
 ,mr4 ,!odore ,m>t9 spoke to      me ^u 
! subject2 b ,i 0 at t "t engag$ ^u an  
important "w1 & ! delays !nce aris+     
caus$ !      matt] to slip ?r\gh4 ,& ,i 
he>d no m ^u ! subject      till la/    

summ]1 :5 ,mr4 ,!odore ,watts told me t 
!      ,pr9cess1 9 conv]sation1 _h      
m5tion$ my "n to him1 &      t he _h !n 
assur$ h] t ,i %\ld 8feel hon\r$      & 
*>m$ to see h]10 & sugge/$ h] mak+ an   
appo9tm5t4 ,h] ,royal ,highness knew t  
,mr4 ,watts1 z "o      ( my mo/ intimate
 fri5ds1 w\ld n h ?us express$          
himself )\t feel+ fully w>rant$ 9 s do+2
 & _h      %e call$ %e w\ld n1 ,i tru/1 
h f\nd me want+ 9      t 8g5]\s loyalty0
 :i* is due n m to h] exalt$            
position ?an to h] well-kn[n *>m ( "* & 
arti/ic gifts4 ,x is true en\gh t ,i d n
 run aft]      great p on acc\nt ( _!   
m]e social position1 b ,i      am1 ,i   
hope1 nev] rude to !m2 & ! man :o c\ld  
rebuff      ! ,pr9cess ,l\ise mu/ be a  
curmudgeon inde$4       ,d4 ,g4         
,rossetti4  ,at ! v juncture 9 "q ,"l   
,lome 0 sudd5ly & unexpect$ly appo9t$   
,gov]nor-,g5]al ( ,canada1 &1 leav+     
,engl&1 ,h] ,royal ,highness did n      
return until ,rossetti's heal? _h       
some:at sudd5ly brok5 d[n1 & x 0        

impossible = him to see any b 8 mo/     
intimate fri5ds4     ,,*apt] ,,iii4  ,my
 int]c\rse ) ,rossetti1 epi/ol>y &      
p]sonal1 ext5d$ ov] a p]iod ( betwe5    
?ree & f\r ye>s4 ,dur+ ! fir/ two ( ^!  
ye>s ,i 01 z ?is volume mu/ %[1 8       
con/ant correspond5t1 dur+ ! ?ird ye> 8 
atta*$ fri5d1 & dur+ ! portion ( ! f\r? 
ye> ( our acqua9tance t]m9at+ ) 8 life1 
8 daily companion & h\semate4 ,x is a "p
 ( my purpose to help t[>ds !           
elucidation ( ,rossetti's p]sonal "* by 
a simple1 & ,i tru/1 unaffect$ /atem5t (
 my relations to him1 & s ,i beg9 by    
expla9+ t my k ( ! man 0 ! sequel to my 
admiration ( ! poet4 ,n accid5t 7! ag5cy
 t usually op]ates 9 su* cases71 b 8    
g5ius & my love ( x1 began ! fri5d%ip   
betwe5 u4 ,( ,rossetti's pictorial art  
,i knew little1 until v rec5t ye>s1     
beyond :at c\ld be ga!r$ f a few        
illu/rations to books4 ,my acqua9tance )
 8 poetry mu/ h be5 made at ! "t ( !    
publication ( ! fir/ volume 9 #ahgj1 b z
 ,i did n !n possess a copy ( ! book1 & 

d n rememb] to h se5 "o1 my k ( ! "w mu/
 h be5 m]ely su* z c\ld be glean$ f !   
read+ ( reviews4 ,! unlucky controv]sy1 
t subsequ5tly arose out ( x1 direct$    
afre% my att5tion1 9 common ) t ( o!rs1 
to ,rossetti & 8 s*ool ( poetry1 ) !    
result ( impress+ my m9d ) qualities ( !
 "w t 7 c]ta9ly q outside ! issues      
involv$ 9 ! discussion4 ,"s two or ?ree 
ye>s aft] t acrimoni\s controv]sy _h    
subsid$1 an accid5t1 suffici5tly curi\s 
to w>rant my describ+ x1 produc$ !      
effect ( conv]t+ me f a temp]ate believ]
 9 ! *>m ( music & col\r 9 ,rossetti's  
lyric v]se1 to an ard5t admir] ( 8      
imag9ative g5ius z display$ 9 ! high]   
walks ( 8 art4  ,i _h set out ) a       
knapsack to make "o ( my _m p]iodical   
walk+ t\rs ( ! beautiful lake c\ntry (  
,we/morel& & ,cumb]l&4 ,beg9n+ ! j\rney 
at ,b[ness--z t\ri/s1 if !y w accept !  
advice ( "o :o kn[s p]haps ! :ole ( !   
c\ntry1 ought always to d--,i walk$     
?r\gh ,dungeon ,ghyll1 climb$ ! ,/ake   
,pass1 desc5d$ into ,borr[dale1 & trac$ 

! c\rse ( ! w9d+ ,d]w5t to t po9t at :i*
 x meets ! e/u>y ( ! lake1 & :]e /&s !  
,d]w5twat] ,hotel4 ,a ra9 & ?und] /orm 0
 ga!r+ ov] ! ,black ,sail & ,great      
,gable z ,i rea*$ ! summit ( ! ,pass1 & 
travell+ sl[ly nor?w>ds x _h ov]tak5 me4
 ,be=e ,i rea*$ ! hotel1 my re/+-place =
 ! night1 ,i 0 c]ta9ly z ?or\ghly       
saturat$ z any "o 9 reasonable mom5ts   
c\ld wi% to be4 ,i rememb] t z ,i pass$ 
into ! %elt] ( ! por* an eld]ly         
g5tleman1 :o 0 /&+ !re1 rem>k$ ^u !     
sev]ity ( ! /orm1 inquir$ :at di/ance ,i
 _h travell$1 & express$ amazem5t t on  
su* a day1 :5 mi/s 7 float+1 any "o c\ld
 h v5tur$ to cov] s mu* dang]\s         
m\nta9-c\ntry1--:i* he e/imat$ z ne>ly  
?irty miles 9 ext5t4 ,beyond obs]v+ t my
 int]locutor 0 fri5dly 9 mann] & knew ! 
c\ntry intimately1 ,i d n rememb] to h  
reflect$ ei!r !n or aft]w>ds ^u 8       
p]sonality except p]haps t he might h   
answ]$ to ,wordswor?'s sc>cely def9ite  
description ( 8 illu/ri\s fri5d z 8a    
noticeable man10 ) ! fur!r p>allel1 ,i  

?9k1 ( possess+ 8l>ge grey eyes40 ,aft] 
att5d+ to ! obvi\s necessity ( dry      
g>m5ts 9 ex*ange = wet ones1 & o!rwise  
com=t+ myself aft] a fatigu+ day's m>*1 
,i desc5d$ to ! draw+-room ( ! hotel1   
:]e a company ( p]sons 7 try+1 ) t too  
=mal cordiality peculi> to ,engli% p1 :o
 are accid5tally ?r[n toge!r 9 ! c\rse (
 a holiday1 to get rid ( ! depression   
:i* results ^u di%e>t5+ly unpropiti\s   
wea!r4 ,music1 z usual1 0 ! graci\s     
angel employ$ to bani% ! fi5d ( ennui1 b
 among ^? :o took no "p ei!r 9 ! s++ or 
play+1 o!r ?an t ( an en=c$ auditor1 0 !
 eld]ly g5tleman1 my quondam acqua9tance
 ( ! por*1 :o /ood ap>t 9 an alcove     
look+ ?r\gh a w9d[4 ,i /epp$ up to him &
 r5ew$ our talk4 ,! /orm _h r increas$  
?an abat$ s9ce my arrival2 ! ?und] :i*  
be=e _h rumbl$ ov] ! di/ant ,langdale   
,pikes 0 break+ 9 %>p peals ov] our     
heads1 & fla%es ( %eet$ lightn+ lit up !
 ga!r+ d>kness t lay betwe5 u & ,ca/le  
,crag4 ,a playful allusion to 8poor     
,tom0 & to ,k+ ,le>'s undisput$ sole    

enjoym5t ( su* a sc5e 7except z view$ f 
! ambu% ( a com=table hotel7 l$ to !    
discov]y1 v welcome to bo? at a mom5t :5
 we 7 at bay = an ev5+'s occupation1 t  
besides k & love ( ! c\ntry r\nd ab\t u1
 we _h 9 common "s k & mu* love ( ! f>  
wid] realm ( books4 ,!reupon ensu$ a    
talk *iefly on au?ors & _! works :i*    
la/$ until long aft] ! music _h ceas$1  
until ! elem5tal z well z in/rum5tal    
/orm _h pass$1 & ! gue/s _h slipp$ away 
"o aft] "o1 & ! la/ rema9+ s]vant ( !   
h\se _h1 by ! introduction ( a c\ple (  
c&les1 giv5 u a palpable h9t t 9 !      
op9ion ( t gu>dian ( a c\ntry inn ! h\r 
0 come & gone :5 well-regulat$ p]sons   
%\ld betake !mselves to b$4 ,to my      
delight my fri5d knew ne>ly e prom95t   
liv+ au?or1 c\ld give me p]sonal        
descriptions ( !m1 z well z s*ol>ly &   
well-dige/$ criticisms ( _! works4 ,he 0
 c]ta9ly no ord9>y man1 b :o he 0 ,i h  
nev] le>n$ ) c]ta9ty1 ?\gh ,i *]i% !    
agreeable impression t ,i c\ld give a   
%rewd guess4 ,at "o mom5t ! talk turn$  

on ,fe/us1 & !n ,i he>d ! mo/ lucid &   
philosophical acc\nt ( t "w ,i h ev]    
li/5$ to or read4 ,i 0 told t ! au?or ( 
,fe/us _h nev] 79 all ! ye>s t _h elaps$
 s9ce its publication1 :5 he 0 9 8      
e>lie/ manhood1 ?\gh n[ he is gr[n      
eld]ly7 ceas$ to em5d x1 not)/&+ !      
prote/ations ( critics2 & t an improv$ &
 enl>g$ edition ( ! poem might probably 
appe> aft] 8 dea?4 ,/ruck ) ! especial k
 display$ ( ! au?or 9 "q1 ,i ask$ if he 
happ5$ to be a fri5d4 ,!n1 ) a sc>cely  
p]ceptible smile play+ ab\t ! corn]s ( !
 m\? 7a circum/ance )\t significance =  
me at ! "t & only rememb]$ aft]w>ds71 my
 new acqua9tance answ]$3 8,he is my     
olde/ & de>e/ fri5d40 ,next morn+ ,i saw
 my night-long conv]sationali/ 9 company
 ) a cl]gyman get on to ! ,butt]m]e coa*
 & wave 8 h& to me z !y vani%$ "u !     
trees t ov]hung ! ,butt]m]e road1 b 9   
answ] to _m inquiries ! utmo/ ,i c\ld   
le>n ( my int]e/+ acqua9tance 0 t he 0  
someh[ und]/ood to be a great au?or1 & a
 fri5d ( ,*>les ,k+sley1 :o1 ,i ?9k !y  

said1 0 or _h be5 ) him !re or else:]e t
 ye>4 ,:e!r besides be+ ! 8olde/ & de>e/
 fri5d0 ( ! au?or ( ,fe/us1 my          
delightful companion 0 ,philip ,james   
,bailey himself ,i h nev] le>n$ to ?is  
day1 & c only *]i% a pleasant tru/2 b   
:at rema9s z really important 9 ?is     
connexion is t :osoev] he 0 he orig9at$ 
my fir/ real love ( ,rossetti's poetry1 
& gave me my fir/ realisable idea ( !   
man4 ,tak+ up f ! table "s popul> ,g>l&1
 ,casket1 ,treasury1 or o!r an?ology (  
,engli% poetry1 he po9t$ out a sonnet   
entitl$ ,lo/ ,days 7to :i*1 inde$1 a    
fri5d at home _h direct$ my att5tion71 &
 dwelt ^u its m>vell\s /r5g? ( spiritual
 insight1 & p[] ( symbolic phrase4 ,(   
c\rse ! sonnet 0 ,rossetti's4 ,x is     
impossible = me to describe ! effect    
produc$ ^u me by sonnet & exposition4 ,i
 resolv$ n to live _m days long] )\t    
acquir+ a k ( ! body ( ,rossetti's "w4  
,p]ceiv+ t ! g5tleman knew some?+ ( !   
poet1 ,i put que/ions to him :i* elicit$
 ! fact t he _h met him _m ye>s e>li]   

at1 ,i ?9k he said1 ,mrs4 ,gaskell's1 :5
 ,rossetti 0 a r "y man1 kn[n only z a  
pa9t] & ! lead] ( an ecc5tric s*ool 9   
art4 ,he describ$ him z a little d>k    
man1 ) f9e eyes "u a broad br[1 ) a deep
 voice1 & ,bohemian habits--8a little   
,italian1 9 %ort40 ,little1 by ! way1   
,rossetti c\ld n prop]ly be said to be1 
b op9ions z to physical proportions be+ 
s liable to v>y1 ,i may at once m5tion t
 he 0 exactly five feet eight in*es 9   
height1 & except 9 e>ly manhood1 :5 he 0
 some:at att5uat$1 well built 9         
proportion4 ,he fur!r describ$          
,rossetti's mann]s z ^? ( a man 9       
delib]ate revolt aga9/ society2 delight+
 9 an opportunity to />tle well-ord]$   
p]sons out ( _! propriety1 & to sil5ce  
by %e] vehem5ce ( d5unciation ! seemly  
prote/s ( v good & v g5tle folk4 ,!     
portraiture seems to me n[ to be> !     
impress ( tru?1 unlike z x is 9 "s      
p>ticul>s to ! man z ,i knew him4 ,:5   
once1 h[ev]1 ye>s aft] ! ev5t record$1  
,i bant]$ ,rossetti on ! amiable picture

 ( him ,i _h receiv$ f a /rang]1 he     
admitt$ t x 0 9 ! ma9 true to 8 "* e>ly 
9 life1 & rec\nt$ an in/ance 9 :i*1 f   
%e] p]v]sity1 or at be/ = amusem5t1 he  
_h made ! late ,dean ,/anley agha/ )    
horror at ! spectacle ( a "y man1 born 9
 a ,*ri/ian c\ntry1 & 9 ! n9ete5?       
c5tury1 def5d+ 79 sport7 ! vices (      
,n]onian ,home4  ,! outcome ( ?is fir/  
s]i\s & suffici5t introduction to       
,rossetti's poetry 0 t ,i =?) devot$ "t 
to read+ & m$itat+ ^u x4 ,ultimately ,i 
lectur$ twice or ?rice on ! subject 9   
,liv]pool1 fir/ at ! ,royal ,in/itution1
 & aft]w>ds at ! ,free ,libr>y4 ,! text 
( t lecture ,i /ill pres]ve1 & z 9 all  
probability x did m ?an any?+ else to   
orig9ate ! fri5d%ip ,i aft]w>ds enjoy$ )
 ! poet1 ,i %all try to convey v briefly
 an idea ( its purpose4  ,aga9/ bo?     
fri5dly & unfri5dly critics ( ,rossetti 
,i held t to place him among !          
8ae/hetic0 poets 0 an error (           
classification4 ,x seem$ to me t1 unlike
 ! poets prop]ly s describ$1 he _h no?+ 

9 common ) ! ,caliban ( ,mr4 ,br[n+1 :o 
work$ 8= "w's sole sake20 &1 unlike !m  
yet fur!r1 ! topmo/ ?+ 9 him 0 inde$    
love ( beauty1 b ! deepe/ ?+ 0 love (   
uncomely "r4 ,! fusion ( ^! elem5ts 9   
,rossetti s(t5$ ! my?ological ,italian  
,ca?olicism t ,i recognis$ z a lead+ ?+ 
9 him1 & subjugat$ 8 s5su\s passion4 ,i 
?\ght x wrong to say t ,rossetti _h "p  
or lot ) ^? false arti/s1 or no arti/s1 
:o ass]t1 )\t fe> or %ame1 t ! mann] (  
do+ a ?+ %\ld be abrogat$ or sup]s$$ by 
! moral purpose ( its be+ done4 ,on !   
o!r h&1 ,rossetti appe>$ to make no     
consci\s compromise ) ! ,puritan        
pr9ciple ( do+ good2 & to dem& fir/ ( 8 
"w ! lesson or message x _h = u 7       
wilfully to miss ( pleasure :ile we     
va9ly /rove = pr(it4 ,he 0 too true an  
arti/ to foll[ art into its byeways (   
moral significance1 & !reby cripple its 
broad] arms2 b at ! same "t all ?is     
absorption ( ! arti/ 9 8 art seem$ to me
 to live & "w toge!r ) ! p]sonal in/9cts
 ( ! man4 ,an arti/'s nature _c escape !

 col\r+ x gets f ! human side ( 8       
nature1 because x is ( ! ess5ce ( art to
 appeal to its own highe/ faculties     
l>gely ?r\gh ! *annel ( moral in/9cts3 t
 music is exquisite & col\r spl5did1    
fir/1 because !y h an indescribable     
significance1 & next because !y respond 
to m]e s5se4 ,b x appe>$ to me to be "o 
?+ to "w = 8"w's sole sake10 ) an       
ov]rul+ moral in/9ct t gravitates1 z    
,mr4 ,arnold w\ld say1 t[>ds conduct1 & 
q ano!r ?+ to absorb art 9 moral        
purposes4 ,i ?\ght t ,rossetti's poetry 
%[$ h[ possible x is1 )\t mak+ consci\s 
compromise ) t puritan pr9ciple ( do+   
good ( :i* ,keats at "o p]iod became    
enam\r$1 to be unconsci\sly mak+ = moral
 ends4 ,!re 0 = me a passive puritanism 
9 ,j5ny :i* liv$ & work$ toge!r ) !     
poet's purely arti/ic passion = do+ 8 "w
 supremely well4 ,e ?\ght 9 ,dante at   
,v]ona & ,! ,la/ ,confession seem$ mix$ 
) & col\r$ by a p]sonal moral in/9ct t 0
 safe & "r4  ,?is 0 p]haps ! only       
noticeable feature ( my lecture1 & kn[+ 

,rossetti's nature1 z s9ce ! lecture ,i 
h le>n$ to "k x1 ,i feel no great       
surprise t su* plead+ = ! moral impulses
 animat+ 8 "w %\ld h be5 ( all ?+s ! mo/
 likely to engage 8 affections4 ,j z    
,col]idge always res5t$ ! imputation t  
he _h ev] be5 conc]n$ ) ,wordswor? &    
,s\!y 9 ! e/abli%m5t ( a s*ool ( poetry1
 & cont5d$ t1 9 common ) 8 colleagues1  
he _h be5 inspir$ by no desire save t ( 
imitat+ ! be/ examples ( ,greece &      
,home1 s ,rossetti 7at lea/ ?r\gh\t !   
p]iod ( my acqua9tance ) him7 inv>iably 
%rank f classification ) ! poetry (     
/heticism1 & aspir$ to ! fame ( a poet  
:o _h be5 prompt$ prim>ily by ! highe/ (
 spiritual emotions1 & to :om !         
s5sations ( ! body 7 z naught1 unless !y
 7 sanctifi$ by ! concurr5ce ( ! s\l4   
,my lecture 0 pr9t$1 b q a ye> elaps$   
aft] its prep>ation be=e x occurr$ to me
 t ,rossetti himself might d]ive a      
mom5t's gratification f k ( ! fact t he 
_h "o ard5t uphold] & s9c]e well-wi%]   
hi!rto unkn[n to him4 ,at l5g? ,i s5t   

him a copy ( ! magaz9e conta9+ my       
lecture on 8 poetry4 ,a po/ or two lat] 
br\ght me ! foll[+ reply3       ,de>    
,mr4 ,ca9e1--       ,i am mu* /ruck by !
 g5]\s en?usiasm display$ 9      y\r    
,lecture1 & by ! ability ) :i* x is     
writt54      ,y\r e/imate ( ! impulses  
influ5c+ my poetry is su*      z ,i %\ld
 wi% x to sugge/1 & ?is sugge/ion1 ,i   
believe1 x w h always = a true-he>t$    
nature4 ,y      say t y are grateful to 
me3 my response is1 t ,i am             
grateful to y3 = y h spok5 up he>tily & 
unfalt]+ly = ! "w y love4       ,i      
d>esay y sometimes come to ,london4 ,i  
%\ld be v      glad to "k y1 & w\ld ask 
y1 if y ?\ght (      call+1 to give me a
 day's notice :5 to expect y1 z ,i      
am n always able to see visitors )\t    
appo9tm5t4 ,!      aft]noon1 ab\t #e1   
might suit me1 or else ! ev5+ ab\t      
#i4cj4 ,) all be/ wi%es1 y\rs s9c]ely1  
,d4 ,g4 ,rossetti4  ,?is 0 ! fir/ (     
ne>ly two hundr$ lett]s 9 all receiv$ f 
,rossetti 9 ! c\rse ( our acqua9tance4  

,a day or two lat] ! foll[+ supplem5t>y 
note rea*$ me3       ,i return y\r      
article4 ,9 read+ x1 ,i feel x a        
di/9ction t my m9ute plot 9 ! poetic    
field %\ld      h attract$ ! gaze ( "o  
:o is able to trav]se its      wide/    
ranges ) s mu* comm&4 ,i %all be mu*    
pleas$      if ! plan ( call+ on me is  
c>ri$ out soon--at any      rate ,i tru/
 x w be s ev5tually4444 ,h y got1 or    
d y "k1 my book ( translations call$    
,dante & 8      ,circle8 ,if n1 ,i #8ll 
s5d y "o4444       ,i h be5 read+ aga9  
y\r article on ,! ,sup]natural      9   
,poetry4 ,x is truly admirable--su* "w  
mu/ soon make      y a place4 ,!        
dramatic pap] ,i ?\ght suff]$ f "s      
immaturity4  ,x is h>dly necess>y to say
 t ,i 0 equally delight$ ) ! w>m? ( !   
reception accord$ to my essay1 & ) !    
revelation ! lett]s appe>$ to conta9 ( a
 s9c]e & unselfi% nature4 ,my purpose1  
h[ev]1 :i* 0 a mode/ "o1 _h be5 s]v$1 & 
,i made no fur!r attempt to cont9ue !   
correspond5ce1 lea/ ( all did ,i expect 

or desire to orig9ate any?+ ( ! nature (
 a fri5d%ip4 ,9 my reply to 8 note1     
h[ev]1 ,i _h ask$ him to accept !       
d$ication ( a little "w ( m9e1 & :51 )  
abundant c\rtesy1 he _h decl9$ to d s on
 v suffici5t gr\nds1 ,i felt satisfi$ t 
matt]s betwe5 u %\ld re/ :]e !y 74 ,x is
 a pleas+ recollection1 nev]!less1 t    
,rossetti himself _h tak5 a diff]5t view
 ( ! relation t _h gr[n up betwe5 u1 &  
by _m g5]\s appeals induc$ me to put by 
all fur!r ?\ghts ( ab&on+ !             
correspond5ce out ( reg>d = him4 ,!re _h
 ensu$ an int]val 9 :i* ,i did n write  
to him1 :]eupon he address$ to me a     
hurri$ note1 say+3       ,let me h a l9e
 f y4 ,i am haunt$ by ! idea1 t      9  
decl9+ ! d$ication1 ,i may h hurt y4 ,i 
assure      y ,i %\ld be pr\d to be     
associat$ 9 any way ) y\r      "w1 b    
gave y my v reasons4       ,i %all be   
pleas$ if y d n ?9k !m suffici5t1 &     
/ill c>ry out y\r orig9al int5tion4444  
,at lea/ write      to me4  ,i repli$ to
 ?is lett] 7conta9+1 z x did1 !         

expression ( s mu* m ?an ! necess>y     
solicitude71 by say+ t ,i too _h be5    
haunt$1 b x _h be5 by ! fe> t ,i _h be5 
ask+ too mu* ( 8 att5tion4 ,z to !      
d$ication1 s f> f feel+ hurt1 by        
,rossetti's decl9+ x1 ,i _h gr[n to see 
t su* 0 ! only c\rse t rema9$ to him to 
take4 ,! t]ms 9 :i* he _h repli$ to my  
(f] ( x 7s f> f be+ ( a k9d to annoy or 
hurt me71 _h1 to my ?9k+1 be5 only      
g5]\s1 sympa!tic1 & beautiful4 ,aga9 he 
wrote3       ,my de> ,ca9e1--       ,let
 me assure y at once t correspond5ce )  
y\rself      is "o ( my be/ pleasures1 &
 t y _c write too      mu* or too (t5 = 
me2 ?\gh aft] :at y h told      me z to 
! apportion+ ( y\r "t1 ,i %\ld be       
unwill+ to encroa* unduly ^u x4 ,nei!r  
%\ld ,i on my      side prove v t>dy 9  
reply1 z y are "o to :om ,i      f9d !re
 is some?+ to say :5 ,i sit d[n ) a p5  
& pap]4 ,i h a good deal ( en=c$ ev5+   
leisure1      z x is seldom ,i c pa9t or
 draw by gaslight4 ,x w\ld      n be "r 
9 me to refra9 f say+ t to meet )       

"o s 8leal & true0 to myself z y are has
 be5 a      consolation amid mu*        
disc\ragem5t4444 ,i p]ceive y h      _h 
a complete poetic c>e] :i* y h left     
beh9d to      /rike out into wid]       
wat]s4444 ,! passage on ,night1 :i*     
y say 0 writt5 "u ! planet ,%elley1     
seems to me      7& to my bro!r1 to :om 
,i read x7 to sav\r m ( !      8mortal  
moon0--t is1 ( a weird & sombre         
,elizabe?anism1 ( :i* ,b$does may be    
consid]$ !      mod]n repres5tative4 ,b 
we bo? ?9k x has an      unmi/akeable   
=ce & value2 & if y c write bett]       
poetry ?an ?is1 let y\r angel say unto  
y1 ,write4  ,i take x t x w\ld be :olly 
unwise ( me 9 select+ exc]pts f         
,rossetti's lett]s entirely to )hold !  
passages t conc]n exclusively 7s f> z _!
 sub/ance goes7 my own e>ly do+s or     
try-+s-to-d2 = x ought to be a "p ( my  
purpose to lay b>e ! beg9n+s ( t        
fri5d%ip by virtue ( :i* su* lett]s     
exi/4 ,i c only ask ! read]s ( ^! pages 
to accept my assurance1 t :atev] ! numb]

 & ext5t ( ! passages :i* ,i publi% t   
are necess>ily 9 !mselves ( m int]e/ to 
myself p]sonally ?an to ! public        
g5]ally1 !y are altoge!r                
disproportionate to ! numb] & ext5t ( ^?
 ,i )hold4 ,i _c1 h[ev]1 resi/ !        
conclusion t su* picture z !y af=d ( a  
man beyond ! p]iod ( middle life capable
 ( b5d+ to a new & "y fri5d1 & ( ?9k+ ) 
& = him1 is n )\t an exceptional lit]>y 
int]e/ z be+ s contr>y to e-day         
exp]i5ce4 ,h5ce1 ,i am n )\t hope t !   
occasional ref]5ces to myself :i* 9 !   
c\rse ( ^! extracts ,i %all feel x      
necess>y to introduce1 may be und]/ood  
to be employ$ by me z mu* = _!          
illu/rative value 7be+ indicative (     
,rossetti's "*71 z = any purpose less   
purely imp]sonal4  ,! passage ( v]se    
ref]r$ to 0 copi$ out = ,rossetti 9     
reply to an inquiry z to :e!r ,i _h     
writt5 poetry4 ,prompt$ no d\bt by !    
enc\ragem5t d]iv$ 9 ?is in/ance1 ,i     
submitt$ f "t to "t o!r v]ses to        
,rossetti1 z subsequ5t lett]s %[1 b x   

says some?+ = ! value ( 8 praise t      
:atev] ! measure ( x :5 8 sympa?ies 7   
fairly ar\s$1 & :atev] 8 natural t5d5cy 
to look = ! *>act]i/ic m]its r ?an      
defects ( compositions ref]r$ to 8      
judgm5t1 8 c&\r 0 always prom95t among 8
 good qualities :5 c5sure alone requir$ 
to be =?com+4 ,among _m frank utt]ances 
( an op9ion e>ly =m$1 t :atev] my       
pot5tialities z a writ] ( prose1 ,i _h b
 small vocation z a writ] ( poetry1 ,i  
pres]ve "o su* utt]ance1 :i* w1 ,i tru/1
 be f\nd n less int]e/+ to o!r read]s f 
af=d+ a glimpse ( ! writ]'s attitude    
t[>ds ! old controv]sy t\*+ ! sev]al &  
di/+ui%+ elem5ts t contribute to make   
good prose on ! "o h& & good v]se on !  
o!r4  ,on "o occasion he _h s5t me 8 f9e
 sonnet on ,keats1 !n j writt51 &1 9    
ackn[l$g+ ! receipt ( x ) _m expressions
 ( admiration1 ,i rem>k$ t = "s days ,i 
_h be5 /ruggl+ desp]ately1 9 all s5ses1 
to incubate a sonnet on ! same some:at  
hackney$ subject4 ,i _h n writt5 a l9e  
or put p5 to pap] = ! purpose1 b ,i c\ld

 tell him1 9 g5]al t]ms1 :at my         
unaccompli%$ m>vel ( sonnet-craft 0 to  
be ab\t4  ,rossetti repli$ say+ t !     
s*eme = a sonnet 0 8extremely           
beautiful10 & urg+ me to 8d x at once40 
,alas = my intrepidity1 8d x0 ,i did1 ) 
! result ( awak5+ my correspond5t to !  
c]ta9ty t1 :atev] emb[]+s ,i _h 9 my    
m9d1 t %y bird ! sonnet w\ld seek 9 va9 
= a ne/ to hide 9 !re4 ,x ask$ s mu*    
special c\rage to s5d a fir/ attempt at 
sonnete]+ to ! greate/ liv+ ma/] ( !    
sonnet t moral d>+ alone ought to h got 
me (f lightly1 b "h is ,rossetti's      
reply1 valuable n[1 z well = ! view x   
af=ds ( ! poet's attitude t[>ds ! sonnet
 z a m$ium ( expression1 z = o!r reasons
 already assign$4 ,! op5+ passage       
alludes to a lyric ( humble life4  ,y   
may be sure ,i d n mean ess5tial        
disc\ragem5t :5 ,i say t1 full z ,nell  
is ( reality & pa?os1 y\r sw+ ( arm     
seems to me firm] & fre] 9 prose ?an 9  
v]se4 ,i d ?9k ,i see y\r field to lie  
*iefly 9 ! a*ievem5ts ( f]vid &         

impassion$ prose4444 ,i am sure t1 :5   
s5d+ me y\r fir/ sonnet1 y wi%$ me to   
say q frankly :at ,i ?9k ( x4 ,well1 ,i 
d n ?9k x %[s a special vocation = ?is  
cond5s$ & emphatic =m4 ,! prose v]sion y
 s5t me seems to say mu* m di/9ctly :at 
?is says ) "s want ( =ce4 ,! octave does
 n seem to me v cle>ly put1 & ! se/et   
does n emphasize 9 a suffici5tly /rik+  
way ! idea :i* ! prose sket* convey$ to 
me1--t ( ,keats's special privilege 9   
e>ly dea?3 viz41 ! lovely monum5taliz$  
image he bequea!d to u ( ! "y poet4     
,also ,i mu/ say t m special orig9ality 
& ev5 newness 7?\gh ?is might be call$ a
 vulg>iz+ ^w71 ( ?\ght & picture 9      
individual l9es--m ( ?is ?an ,i f9d     
"h--seems to me ! v fir/ qualification (
 a sonnet--o!rwise x puts =w>d no "r to 
be s %ort1 b might seem a sev]$ passage 
f a long] poem dep5d+ on developm5t4 ,i 
w\ld almo/ c\nsel y to try ! same !me   
aga9--or else "s o!r !me 9 sonnet-=m4 ,i
 ?\ght ! passage on ,night y s5t %[$ an 
aptitude = *oice imag]y4 ,i %\ld mu* l  

to see some?+ :i* y view z y\r be/      
poetic ef=t hi!rto4 ,aft] all1 !re is no
 ne$ t e gift$ writ] %\ld take ! pa? (  
poetry--/ill less ( sonnete]+4 ,i am    
confid5t 9 y\r pref]5ce = frankness on  
my "p4  ,i tri$ ! !me aga9 be=e ,i      
ab&on$ x1 & 0 s =tunate z to get him to 
admit a degree ( improvem5t su* z l$ to 
8 desir+ to recall 8 conjectural judgm5t
 on my possibilities z a sonnet-writ]1 b
 z ! lett]s 9 :i* he *>act]ises !       
advance are nei!r s t]se 9 criticism1   
nor s int]e/+ f ! exposition (          
pr9ciples1 z ! "o quot$1 ,i pass !m by4 
,) m confid5ce 9 my ultimate comp>ative 
success ?an ,i _h ev] ent]ta9$1         
,rossetti 0 only anxi\s t ,i %\ld engage
 9 t "w to :i* ,i4 c\ld address myself )
 a s5se ( comm&2 & ,i ?9k x w be agre$  
t1 :]e temp]ate confid5ce 9 :at ! future
 may legitimately hold = "o is unit$ to 
e>ne/ & rightly direct$ endeav\r 9 !    
pres5t1 x is (t5 a good ?+ = ! man :o   
/&s on ! ?re%old ( life 7to :om1        
nev]!less1 ! pa? pass$ seems ev] to     

/ret* out ( sight backw>ds7 to be told !
 ext5t to :i*1 little en\gh at ! mo/1 8 
clasp 7to use a phrase ( ,mr4 ,br[n+7   
may be equal to 8 grasp4  ,my resid+1 z 
,i did1 at a di/ance f ,london1 0 at    
once ! difficulty :i* = a "t prev5t$ our
 com+ toge!r & ! necessity =            
correspond5ce by virtue ( :i* ^! lett]s 
exi/4 ,z ,i fail$1 h[ev]1 f hamp]+      
circum/ance1 to meet at once ) himself1 
,rossetti inv>iably display$ a good deal
 ( fri5dly anxiety to br+ me into       
contact ) 8 fri5ds z frequ5tly z        
occasion r5d]$ x feasible to d s4 ,9 ?is
 way ,i met ) ,mr4 ,madox ,br[n1 :o 0 at
 ! mom5t engag$ on 8 admirable frescoes 
9 ! ,man*e/] ,t[n ,hall1 & 9 ?is way    
also ,i met ) o!r fri5ds ( 8 resid5t 9  
my neighb\rhood4 ,:5 ,i came to "k him m
 intimately ,i p]ceiv$ t besides !      
k9dl9ess ( int5tion :i* _h prompt$ him  
to br+ me into :at he believ$ to be     
agreeable associations1 he _h adopt$ ?is
 c\rse f ! o!r motive ( desir+ to be    
reassur$ z to ! comp>ative h>mlessness (

 my p]sonality1 = he usually foll[$ !   
introduction to a fri5d by a private    
lett] ( ?anks = ! reception accord$ me1 
& a numb] ( dext]\sly manipulat$        
allusions1 :i* always1 ,i f\nd1 produc$ 
! desir$ result ( elicit+ ! requir$     
in=mation 7to be glean$ only f p]sonal  
int]c\rse7 z to my mann] & habits4 ,lat]
 9 our acqua9tance1 ,i f\nd t he1 l all 
m$itative m51 _h ! greate/ conceivable  
dread ( be+ tak5 unaw>es1 & t !re 0 no  
saf] way = any fre% acqua9tance to      
insure 8 tak+ viol5tly aga9/ him1 ?an to
 take ! /ep ( com+ d[n ^u him sudd5ly1 &
 )\t appo9tm5t1 or be=e a suffici5t "t  
_h elaps$ betwe5 ! beg9n+ ( ! fri5d%ip &
 ! actual p]sonal enc\nt]1 to admit ( 8 
=m+ preconceiv$ ideas ( ! mann] ( man to
 expect4 ,! agony he suff]$ ^u !        
unexpect$ visit ( ev5 ! mo/ ard5t (     
well-wi%]s c\ld sc>cely be realis$ at ! 
mom5t1 f ! app>5t ease1 & assum$        
indiff]5ce ( 8 outw>d be>+1 & c\ld only 
be kn[n to ^? :o 7 ) him aft] ! try+    
ordeal _h be5 pass$1 or imm$iately be=e 

! ?reat5$ intrusion _h be5 consummat$4  
,e>ly 9 our correspond5ce a fri5d ( 81  
an art critic ( di/9ction1 visit$       
,liv]pool ) ! purpose ( lectur+ on !    
valuable examples ( ,byzant9e art 9 !   
,eoyal ,in/itution ( t city4 ,! lecture 
01 ,i fe>1 almo/ too good & q too       
te*nical = "s ( ! he>]s1 _m ( :om claim 
7& ) reason7 to be lov]s ( art1 & cov] !
 walls ( _! h\ses ) beautiful           
repres5tations ( lovely l&scape1 b at ! 
same "t erect huge furnaces :i* emit va/
 volumes ( black smoke su* z prev5t !   
sky ( any ,liv]pool l&scape be+ = an    
in/ant lovely4 ,i d\bt if ! lecture c\ld
 h be5 treat$ m popul>ly1 b !re 0       
manife/ly a lack ( m]it$ appreciation4  
,! ar*aisms ( "s ( ! pictures *os5 =    
illu/ration 7e>ly ,byzant9e examples    
exclusively7 appe>$ to cause c]ta9 ( !  
audi5ce to smile at mu* ( ! lectur]'s   
en?usiasm4 ,=tunately ! man *iefly      
conc]n$ seem$ unconsci\s ( all ?is4 ,&  
inde$1 h[ev] he f>$ 9 public1 9 private 
he 0 only too 8dreadfully att5d$40 ,aft]

 ! lecture a good _m folks gave him !   
b5efit ( _! invaluable op9ions on v>i\s 
art que/ions1 & "s1 z 0 natural1 made   
pitiful slips4 ,i obs]v$ ) secret &     
sc>cely conceal$ satisfaction 8 c\rage\s
 loyalty 9 def5ce ( 8 fri5ds1 & 8 hitt+ 
out 9 _! def5ce :5 he believ$ !m to be  
assail$4 ,"o sup]lative intellig5ce1    
eag] to d hon\r to ! gue/1 yet ignorant 
( 8 claim to su* hon\r1 gave him a      
wond]fully facile & racy comm5t on !    
pre-,raphaelite pa9t]s1 &1 9 p>ticul>1  
made ! ridicul\s blund] ( a delib]ate   
attack ^u ,rossetti1 & !n paus$ = brea? 
& = ! lectur]'s appreciative response2 (
 c\rse1 ,rossetti's fri5d 0 n to be     
drawn into su* disloyalty = an in/ant1  
ev5 to avoid ! risk ( ruffl+ ! plumage (
 ! mightie/ ( ! corporate cackl]s4      
,rossetti _h p]mitt$ me 9 8 "n to meet 8
 fri5d1 & 9 writ+ subsequ5tly ,i allud$ 
to ! affection ) :i* he _h be5 m5tion$1 
also to some?+ t _h be5 said ( 8        
imm$iate surr\nd+s1 & to t frank        
*ampion+ ( 8 claims :i* ,i h j describ$4

 ,rossetti's reply to ?is is int]e/+ z  
af=d+ a pa!tic view ( 8 isolation ( life
 & ( ! natural affectionat5ess ( 8      
nature3       ,i am v glad y 7 welcom$  
by de> /aun* ,s------1 z      ,i felt   
sure y w\ld be4 ,he holds ! hon\rable   
position      ( be+ almo/ ! only liv+   
art-critic :o has really      himself   
work$ ?r\gh ! art-s*ools practically1 & 
le>nt to draw & pa9t4 ,he is "o ( my    
olde/ & be/      fri5ds1 ( :om few c be 
numb]$ at my age1 f causes      only too
 v>y+4            ,g f me1 summ] fri5ds1
 & t>ry n1--           ,i am no summ]   
fri5d1 b w9try cold1 etc4       ,s be x1
 z ne$s mu/ be1--n = all1 let u hope1 & 
n ) all1 z good ,s------ %ews4 ,i h n   
se5 him      s9ce 8 return4 ,i wrote him
 a l9e to ?ank him = 8      fri5dly     
reception ( y1 & he wrote 9 return to   
?ank      me = y\r acqua9tance1 & spoke 
v pleasantly ( y4      ,y\r y\? seems to
 h surpris$ him4 ,i s5t a lett] (      8
 to y\r address4 ,i hope y may see m (  
him4 4 4 4      ,y m5tion some?+ he said

 to y ( me & my      surr\nd+s4 ,!y are 
c]ta9ly quiet en\gh z fax z             
retirem5t goes1 & ,i h (t5 ?\ght ,i %\ld
 enjoy !      pres5ce ( a cong5ial &    
intellectual h\sefell[ &      bo>dfell[ 
9 ?is big b>n ( m9e1 :i* is actually    
go+ to rack & ru9 = want ( use4 ,b :]e  
to f9d      ! welcome1 ! will+1 & ! able
 comb9$ 9 "o8 4 4 4      ,i 0 truly     
conc]n$ to he> ( ! attack ( ill-heal?   
y h suff]$ f1 ?\gh y d n tell me its    
exact      nature4 ,i hope x 0 n        
accompani$ by any su* symptoms      z y 
m5tion$ be=e4 4 4 4 ,i myself h _h      
simil>      symptoms 7?\gh n s fully z y
 describe71 & h      spat blood at      
int]vals = ye>s1 b n[ ?9k no?+ (        
x--nor inde$ ev] did1--wait+ = fur!r    
al>m signals      :i* nev] came4       4
 4 4 ,by-!-bye1 ,i h s9ce rememb]$ t    
,burne ,jones1      _m ye>s ago1 _h su* 
an exp]i5ce z y spoke (      be=e--q z  
bad c]ta9ly4 ,he 0 weak = "s "t         
aft]1 & has frequ5tly be5 rem9d$ 9 m9or 
ways ( x1      b seems n[ 7at ab\t      

=ty-six or =ty-sev57 to be m      settl$
 9 heal? & /rong]1 p]haps1 ?an ev]      
be=e4444 ,y\r lett] holds out ! welcome 
probability (      meet+ y "h ere long4 
,?is fri5dly solicitude reg>d+ my heal? 
0 excit$ by ! revelation ( :at seem$ to 
me at ! "t a />tl+ occurr5ce1 b has     
d\btless frequ5tly happ5$ to o!rs1 & has
 c]ta9ly s9ce happ5$ to myself )\t      
provok+ q s mu* outcry4 ,! blood-spitt+ 
to :i* ,rossetti "h alleges he 0 liable 
0 ( a comp>atively innoc5t nature4 ,9   
lat] ye>s he 0 assur$ly n altoge!r a h]o
 z to p]sonal suff]+1 & ,i aft]w>ds f\nd
 t1 ^u ! p]iodical recurr5ce ( !        
symptom1 he nev] fail$ to become conv9c$
 t he spat art]ial blood1 & t on ea*    
occasion he _h receiv$ 8 dea?-w>rant4   
,pro( en\gh 0 adduc$ t ! blood came f ! 
m9or vessels ( ! ?roat1 & ?is 0         
und\bt$ly ! case 9 ! majority (         
in/ances1 b :e!r ! same explanation     
appli$ to "o al>m+ occurr5ce :i* ,i %all
 n[ rec\nt1 seems to me unc]ta94  ,dur+ 
! two or ?ree weeks prec$+ our dep>ture 

= ,cumb]l&1 9 ! autumn ( #ahha1 dur+ !  
"t ( our resid5ce !re & dur+ ! fir/ few 
weeks aft] our return to ,london1       
,rossetti 0 afflict$ by a viol5t c\gh4  
,i notic$ t x tr\bl$ him almo/          
exclusively 9 ! night-"t1 & aft] ! tak+ 
( *loral2 t x 0 sometimes att5d$ by     
vomit+2 & t x inv>iably %ook 8 :ole     
sy/em s t]ribly z to leave him = a :ile 
entirely pro/rate f %e] physical        
exhau/ion4 ,! spectacle 0 a pa9ful "o1 &
 ,i wat*$ closely its ph5om5a1 ) !      
result ( conv9c+ myself t :atev] radical
 mis*ief lay at ! root ( x1 ! damage    
done 0 s]i\sly augm5t$ by a consci\s    
giv+ way to x1 induc$1 ,i ?\ght1 by hope
 ( ! relief x sometimes af=d$ ! /oma* to
 get rid ( ! nause\s drug at a mom5t (  
r$uc$ dige/ive vitality4 ,!n x became my
 fe> t 9 ^! viol5t & prolong$ ret*+s    
int]nal injury might be su/a9$1 & s ,i  
begg$ him to try to re/ra9 ! t5d5cy to  
c\gh s mu* & (t54 ,he took ! remon/rance
 ) great goodnature 7obs]v+ t he p]ceiv$
 ,i ?\ght he 0 putt+ x on71 b ,i 0 n    

consci\s t at any mom5t he act$ ^u my   
sugge/ion4 ,at ! "t 9 "q ,i 0 "u !      
necessity ( leav+ him = a day or two e  
week 9 ord] to fulfil1 a c\rse ( lectur+
 engagem5ts at a di/ance2 & ^u my return
 9 ea* in/ance ,i 0 told mu* ( all t _h 
happ5$ to him 9 ! int]val4 ,on "o       
occasion1 h[ev]1 ,i 0 consci\s t some?+ 
_h occurr$ ( :i* he desir$ to make a    
disclosure1 = among/ ! gifts t ,rossetti
 _h n got 0 t ( conceal+ f 8 intimate   
fri5ds any ev5t1 h[ev] trifl+1 or h[ev] 
important1 :i* weigh$ ^u 8 m9d4 ,at l5g?
 ,i begg$ him to say :at _h happ5$1     
:]eupon1 ) great reluctance & _m        
prote/ations ( 8 int5tion to obs]ve     
sil5ce1 & con/ant injunctions z to      
secrecy1 he told me t dur+ ! night ( my 
abs5ce1 9 ! mid/ ( "o ( 8 b\ts ( c\gh+1 
he _h dis*>g$ an enorm\s quantity (     
blood4 8,i "k ?is is ! f9al signal10 he 
said1 8& ,i %all die40 ,i did my utmo/  
to compose him by rec\nt+ afre% !       
p]sonal incid5t h9t$ at1 ) _m add$      
features ( 7,i tru/7 ju/ifiable         

exagg]ation1 b x is h>dly necess>y to   
say t ,i did n hold ! promise ,i gave   
him z to secrecy suffici5tly sacr$1 or s
 exclusive1 z to =bid my reveal+ ! :ole 
circum/ance to 8 m$ical att5dant4 ,i may
 add t f t mom5t ! c\gh entirely        
disappe>$4  ,to return f ?is rem9isc5ce 
( a lat] p]iod to ! beg9n+s1 ?ree ye>s  
e>li]1 ( our correspond5ce1 ,i w br+ !  
pres5t *apt] to a close by quot+ %ort   
passages f ?ree lett]s writt5 on ! eve (
 my fir/ visit to ,rossetti1 9 #ahhj3   
,i w be truly glad to meet y :5 y come  
to t[n4 ,y      w recognise !           
hole-&-corn]e/ ( all exi/5ces2 b        
,i'll read y a ballad or two1 & h       
,br[n's report to      back my c]ta9ty (
 lik+ y4444 ,i w\ld propose t y         
%\ld d9e ) me at #h4cj on ! ,monday (   
y\r visit1 &      sp5d ! ev5+4444 ,bett]
 come at #e4cj to #f 7if feasible       
to y71 t ,i may try to %[ y a picture by
 daylight444      ,( c\rse1 :5 ,i speak 
( y\r d9+ ) me1 ,i mean tte-      -tte1 
& )\t c]emony ( any k9d4 ,i usually d9e 

9      my /udio1 & 9 my pa9t+ coat4 ,i  
judge ?is w rea*      y 9 "t = a note to
 rea* me4 ,telegrams ,i hate4 ,9        
hope ( ! pleasure ( a meet+1 y\rs ev]4  
,h[ t 8hole-&-corn]e/ ( all exi/5ces0   
/ruck an ard5t admir] ( ! poet-pa9t]'s  
g5ius1 & a devot$ lov] ( 8 p]sonal "*1 z
 !n reveal$ to me1 ,i hope to describe 9
 a lat] section ( ?is book4 ,meantime ,i
 mu/ proce$ to cull f ! epi/ol>y        
treasures ,i possess a numb] ( int]e/+  
passages on lit]>y subjects1 call$ =? 9 
! c\rse ( an int]c\rse :i*1 at t /age1  
_h few topics ( a private nature to     
div]t x f a *annel ( imp]sonal          
discussion4 ,x is a fact t ! lett]s     
writt5 to me by ,rossetti 9 ! ye> #ahhj 
deal s l>gely ) lit]>y affairs 7*iefly (
 ! pa/7 z to be almo/ capable ( v]batim 
reproduction1 ev5 at ! pres5t %ort      
int]val aft] 8 dea?4 ,if !y 7 to be     
reproduc$1 !y w\ld be f\nd to cov] two  
hundr$ pages ( ! pres5t volume1 & to be 
s easy1 flu5t1 v>i$1 & :olly felicit\s z
 to /yle1 & full ( rese>* & reflection z

 to sub/ance1 z probably to e>n = !     
writ] a =emo/ place = epi/ol>y p[]4     
,inde$1 ,i am n )\t hope t ?is accession
 ( a fre% reputation may result ev5 ^u !
 exc]pts ,i h decid$ to introduce4      
,,*apt] ,,iv4  ,x 0 v natural t our     
e>lie/ correspond5ce %\ld deal *iefly ) 
,rossetti's own works1 = ^? works gave  
rise to x4 ,he s5t me a copy ( 8        
translations f e>ly ,italian poets      
7,dante & 8 ,circle71 & a copy ( 8 /ory1
 entitl$ ,h& & ,s\l4 ,9 po/+ ! latt]1 he
 said3       ,i don't "k if y ev] saw a 
sort ( /ory ( m9e call$      ,h& & ,s\l4
 ,i s5d y "o ) ?is1 z pr9t$ to g      9 
my poems 7?\gh aft]w>ds omitt$1 be+1    
nev]!less1      m poem ?an /ory74 ,i    
pr9t$ x s9ce 9 !      ,=tnightly--&1 ,i 
believe1 aboli%$ "o or two extra        
s5tim5talities4 ,y may h se5 x !re4 ,9  
case x's      /ale1 ,i enclose ) ?is a  
sonnet :i* mu/ be new1 =      ,i only   
wrote x ! o!r day4       ,i h already1 9
 ! prop] place 9 ?is volume1 said h[    
! /ory fir/ /ruck me4 ,p]haps ,i _h nev]

 be=e      read+ x se5 q s cle>ly !     
complete mission z      well z en=c$    
limitations ( true art4 ,all ! _m       
subtle gradations 9 ! developm5t (      
purpose 7 !re      beautifully pictur$ 9
 a little creation t 0 *>m+      9 !    
full s5se ( a ^w t has wellnigh lo/ its 
*>m4 ,= all su* z cri$ out aga9/        
pursuits      orig9at+ 9 :at ,keats _h  
*ri/5$ 8! infant *amb]      ( s5sation10
 & = all su* z dem&$ t ev]y?+      we d 
%\ld be done to 8/r5g!n ,god among m510 
!      /ory provid$ ?is answ]3 8,:5 at  
any "t ha? ,he cri$      unto !e1 say+1 
#8,my son1 l5d me ?y %\ld]1 = ,i        
fall'80       ,! sonnet s5t1 & spok5 ( z
 hav+ j be5 writt5      7! lett] be>s   
po/-m>k ,febru>y #ahhj71 0 ! sonnet     
on ! sonnet4 ,x is ?r\gh\t beautiful & 9
 two ( its      l9es 7^? depict+ ! d>k  
:>f & ! black ,/yx7      truly          
magnific5t4 ,x appe>s mo/ to be valu$1  
h[ev]1 z      af=d+ a clue to ! attitude
 ( m9d adopt$ t[>ds      ?is =m ( v]se  
by ! greate/ ma/] ( x 9 mod]n           

poetry4 ,i ?9k x is ,mr4 ,pat] :o says t
 a f9e poem 9      manuscript c>ries an 
aroma ) x1 & a s5sation (      music4 ,i
 mu/ h enjoy$ ! pleasure ( su* a pres5ce
      some:at frequ5tly ab\t ?is p]iod1 
= _m ( ! poems      t aft]w>ds f\nd     
places 9 ! second volume ( ballads      
& sonnets 7 s5t to me f "t to "t4       
,i %\ld l to "k :at 7 ! ?ree or f\r     
vols4 on      ,italian poetry :i* y     
m5tion$ 9 a =m] lett]1 &      :i* my    
book some:at recall$ to y\r m9d4 ,i 0 n 
aw>e ( any su* ext5sive ,engli% "w on ! 
subject4      ,or d y p]haps mean       
,truc*i's ,italian ,dug5to ,posie       
9dite8 ,i am s9c]ely delight$ at y\r r>e
 int]e/ 9      :at ,i h s5t y--bo? !    
translations1 /ory1 etc4--,i            
enclose ?ree pr9t$ pieces meant = my    
volume b      omitt$3--! ballad1 because
 x deals trivially ) a base      am\r 7x
 0 writt5 v e>ly7 & is !re=e really     
repreh5sible to "s ext5t2 ! ,%akspe>e   
sonnet1 because      ( its incongruity )
 ! re/ ( ! poems1 & also      because ( 

! insult 7h[ev] jocose7 to ! wor%ipful  
body ( tailors2 & ! political sonnet =  
reasons :i*      are pla9 en\gh1 ?\gh ! 
date at :i* ,i wrote x 7n      )\t      
feel+7 involves n[ a prophetic value4 ,9
 a ,,ms4      vol4 ,i h a sonnet 7#ahga7
 ,aft] ! ,g]man ,subjugation (          
,france1 :i* en=ces ! prophecy by its   
fulfilm5t4 ,9      ?is ,,ms4 vol4 are a 
few pieces :i* 7 ! only ones ,i         
copi$ 9 d\bt z to _! admission :5 ,i    
pr9t$ !      poems1 b none ( :i* did ,i 
admit4 ,"o day ,i #8ll s5d x      = y to
 look at4 ,x conta9s a few sonnets be>+ 
on      public matt]s1 b only a few4    
,tell me :at y ?9k on      read+ my ?+s4
 ,all y said 9 y\r lett] ( ?is          
morn+ 0 v grateful to me4 ,i h a fair   
am\nt by me      9 ! way ( lat] ,,ms4   
:i* ,i may %ew y "s day :5      we meet4
 ,mean:ile ,i feel t y\r en]gies are    
already 9      full sw+--"w com+ on !   
heels ( "w--& t y\r      "t _c long be  
def]r$ z reg>ds y\r place z a           
writ]4  ,! ballad ( :i* ,rossetti "h    

speaks z deal+ trivially ) a base am\r  
is entitl$ ,d5nis ,%&4 ,?\gh an e>ly "w1
 x af=ds p]haps ! be/ evid5ce extant ( !
 poet's grasp ( ! old ballad /yle3 x    
runs easie/ ( all 8 ballads1 & is 9 "s  
respects 8 be/4 ,mr4 ,j4 ,a4 ,symonds   
has1 9 my judgm5t1 made ! error ( speak+
 ( ,rossetti z incapable ( reproduc+ !  
real note ( su* ballads z ,*evy ,*ase & 
,sir ,patrick ,sp5s4 ,mr4 ,symonds 0 "r 
9 8 eloqu5t comm5ts 7,macmillan's       
,magaz9e1 ,febru>y #ahhb71 s f> z !y    
conc]n ! abs5ce f ,rose ,m>y1 ,! ,k+'s  
,trag$y1 & ,! ,:ite ,%ip ( ! s9ewy      
simplicity ( ! old s+]s4 ,b 9 ^? poems  
,rossetti attempt$ q ano!r ?+4 ,!re is a
 developm5t ( ! ,engli% ballad t is     
entirely ( mod]n product1 be+ f> m      
complex ?an ! primitive =m1 & gett+ rid 
to "s ext5t ( ! out-worn notion ( !     
ballad be+ actually sung to set music1 b
 reta9+ en\gh ( ! sweep ( a free rhy?m  
to c>ry a s5sible effect z ( be+ *ant$  
:5 read4 ,?is is a sort (               
ballad-romance1 su* z ,*ri/abel & ,!    

,lay ( ! ,la/ ,m9/rel2 & ?is1 & ?is     
only1 0 :at ,rossetti aim$ aft]1 &      
entirely compass$ 9 8 f9e works j       
m5tion$4 ,b 7z ,rossetti himself rem>k$ 
to me 9 conv]sation :5 ,i repeat$ ,mr4  
,symonds's criticism1 & urg$ my own     
gr\nds ( objection to x71 t ! poet 0    
capable ( ! directness & simplicity :i* 
*>act]ise ! e>ly ballad-writ]s1 he _h   
giv5 pro( 9 ,! ,/aff & ,scrip & ,/ratton
 ,wat]4 ,d5nis ,%& is valuable z evid5ce
 go+ 9 ! same direction1 b ! au?or's    
objection to x1 on e?ical gr\nds1 mu/ "h
 prevail to )hold x f publication4  ,!  
,%akspe>e sonnet1 spok5 ( 9 ! lett] z   
be+ )held on acc\nt ( its incongruity ) 
! re/ ( ! poems1 0 publi%$ 9 an e>ly    
,academy1 not)/&+ its jocose allusion to
 ! wor%ipful body ( tailors4 ,z x is    
little kn[n1 & really v p[]ful 9 itself1
 & int]e/+ z %[+ ! au?or's p[] ov] words
 9 a new direction1 ,i pr9t x 9 ?is     
place4               ,,on ,,! ,,site ,,(
 ,a ,,mulb]ry ,,tree4       ,plant$ by  
,wm4 ,%akspe>e2 fell$ by ! ,rev4 ,f4    

,ga/rell4      ,?is tree1 "h fall'n1 no 
common bir? or dea?         ,%>$ ) its  
k9d4 ,! _w's enfran*is$ son1         ,:o
 f\nd ! trees ( ,life & ,k "o1      ,"h 
set x1 frail] ?an 8 laurel-wrea?4       
,%all n ! wret* ^: h& x fell b5ea?      
,rank also s+ly--! supreme unhung8      
,lo6 ,%epp>d1 ,turp91 plead+ ) black    
tongue      ,?is vil] ?ief's unsuffocat$
 brea?6       ,we #8,u se>* ?y gloss>y1 
,%akspe>e6 :5ce almo/1         ,& :5ce  
alone1 "s "n %all be reveal'd           
,= ?is deaf drudge1 to :om no l5g? ( e>s
           ,suffic$ to cat* ! music ( ! 
sph]es2         ,^: s\l is c>rion       
n[1--too mean to yield      ,"s tailor's
 n9? allotm5t ( a gho/4                 
,/rat=d-on-,avon4  ,! o!r sonnets ref]r$
 to1 ^?1 namely1 on ! ,fr5* ,lib]ation (
 ,italy1 & ! ,g]man ,subjugation (      
,france1 display all ,rossetti's ma/]y (
 craftsman%ip4 ,9 /r5g? ( vision1 9     
f]tility ( rhy?mic res\rce1 9 pliant    
h&l+1 ^! sonnets are1 9 my judgm5t1     
among ! be/ writt5 by ! au?or2 & if ,i d

 n quote !m "h1 or altoge!r regret t !y 
d n appe> 9 ! au?or's works1 x is n     
because ,i h any s5se ( _! possibly     
(f5d+ aga9/ ! delicate s5sibilities ( an
 age 9 :i* x seems necess>y to hide out 
( sight :atev] appe>s to imp+e ^u !     
doma9 ( :at is call$ our l[] nature4  ,!
 circum/ance has h>dly obta9$ ev5 s mu* 
z a pass+ m5tion t ,rossetti made c]ta9 
v important additions to ! ballad (     
,si/] ,hel51 j be=e pass+ ! old volume  
?r\gh ! press afre% = publication1      
contemporane\sly ) ! new book4 ,! lett]s
 ,i am n[ to quote %[ ! orig9 ( ^?      
additions1 & are int]e/+1 z af=d+ a view
 ( ! au?or's e/imate ( ! ga9 9 respect (
 complet5ess ( conception1 & /]n] tragic
 _s :i* result$ ^u _! adoption4  ,i 0 v 
glad to h ! ?ree articles toge!r1       
includ+ ! "o 9 :i* y h writt5 on myself4
 ,look+ at ?is aga91 x seems to me y mu/
 possess ! be/ edition 7! ,tau*nitz1 :i*
 has my la/ em5dations74 ,o!rwise ,i h  
be5 mean+ all along to (f] y a copy (   
?is edition1 z ,i h "s4 ,:o 0 y\r       

in=mant z to dates ( ! poems1 etc48 ,!y 
are n correct1 yet %[ "s inkl+4 ,j5ny 79
 a fir/ =m7 0 writt5 almo/ z e>ly z ,!  
,bless$ ,damozel1 :i* ,i wrote 7& h     
alt]$ little s9ce71 :5 ,i 0 eighte54 ,x 
0 fir/ pr9t$ :5 ,i 0 tw5ty-"o4 ,( ! fir/
 ,j5ny1 p]haps fifty l9es survive "h &  
!re1 b ,i felt x 0 q beyond me !n 7a _w 
,i 0 !n happy en\gh to be a /rang] to71 
& lat] ,i re-wrote x completely4 ,i w   
give y correct p>ticul>s at "s "t4 ,si/]
 ,hel51 ,i may m5tion1 0 writt5 ei!r 9  
#ahea or beg9n+ ( #aheb1 & 0 pr9t$ 9    
some?+ call$ ,! ,dsseldorf ,annual 99   
7publi%$ 9 ,g]many7 9 #ahec2 ?\gh s9ce  
mu* revis$ 9 detail--n 9 ! ma94 ,y w be 
horror-/ruck to he> t ! fir/ ma9        
addition to ?is poem 0 made by me only a
 few days ago6--eight /anzas 7six       
toge!r1 & two scatt]$ ones7 involv+ a   
new incid5t66 ,y\r hair is on end1 ,i   
"k1 b if y he>d ! /anzas1 !y w\ld smoo? 
if n curl x4 ,! ga9 is imm5se4       99 
,9 ,! ,dsseldorf ,annual ! poem 0 sign$ 
,h4 ,h4 ,h41 &      9 explanation ( ?is 

signature ,rossetti wrote on 8 own      
copy ! foll[+ *>act]i/ic note3--8,!     
initials z      above 7 tak5 f !        
lead-p5cil40  ,9 reply to ?is ,i told   
,rossetti t1 z a 8jeal\s hon\r]0 ( 81 ,i
 confess$ to "s uneas9ess :5 ,i read t  
he _h be5 mak+ important additions to   
,si/] ,hel54 ,t ,i c\ld n ?9k ( a /age (
 ! /ory t w\ld be> s to be sev]$ f :at  
goes be=e or comes aft] x z to admit (  
int]polation might n ( itself g = mu*2 b
 ! entire ballad 0 s r\nd$ into unity1  
"o incid5t s naturally begett+ ! next1 &
 ! comb9$ incid5ts s prop]ly build+ up a
 fabric ( int]e/ ( :i* ! mean+ 0 all    
inwov51 t ,i c\ld n b fe> t :atev] ! ga9
 9 c]ta9 directions1 ! additions ( any  
/anzas involv+ a new incid5t might1 9 "s
 measure1 cripple ! re/4 ,ev5 ?\gh ! new
 /anzas 7 z beautiful1 or yet m         
beautiful ?an ! old ones1 & ! incid5t z 
impressive z any t goes be=e x1 or comes
 aft] x1 ! ga9 to ! poem z an individual
 creation 0 n1 ,i ?\ght1 assur$ because 
p us$ to say my /yle 0 h>d4  ,rossetti 0

 mi/ak5 9 suppos+ t ,i possess$ ! late/ 
& be/ edition ( 8 ,poems1 b ,i _h se5 ! 
late/ ( all ,engli% editions1 & _h not$ 
9 x sev]al valuable em5dations :i*1 9   
subsequ5t quotation1 ,i _h be5 c>eful to
 employ4 ,"o ( ^! seem$ to me to involve
 an immeasurable ga94 ,a /anza ( ,si/]  
,hel51 9 its fir/ =m1 ran3       ,oh1 ! 
w9d is sad 9 ! iron *ill1               
,si/] ,hel51      ,& we>y sad !y look by
 ! hill2      ,b ,kei? ( ,ew]n #8s sadd]
 /ill1           ,little bro!r4--etc4   
etc4  ,9 ! lat] edition ! f\r? l9e ( ?is
 /anza ran3       ,b he & ,i are sadd]  
/ill4  ,! *ange adds enorm\sly to "o's  
e/imate ( ! *>act]isation4 ,all ?r\gh ! 
ballad "o wants to feel t1 despite !    
bitt]ness ( h] spee*1 ! he>t ( !        
rel5tless wit* is break+4 ,l ,! ,brok5  
,he>t ( ,=d1 ! ballad ) ! am5d$ l9e 0 a 
ma/]ly picture ( suppress$ emotion4 ,i  
hop$ ! new incid5t t\*$ ! same *ord4    
,rossetti repli$3       ,?anks = y\r    
pres5t lett]1 :i* ,i w answ] )          
pleasurable c>e4 ,at pres5t ,i s5d y !  

,tau*nitz      edition ( my ?+s4 ,! b\nd
 copy is hide\s1 b m      conv5i5t--!   
o!r pretty4 ,y w f9d a good _m      ?+s 
bett]$ 7,i believe7 ev5 on ! late/      
,engli%      edition4 ,i did n rememb] t
 ! l9e y quote f      ,si/] ,hel5 appe>$
 9 ! new =m at all 9 an ,engli%         
issue4 ,i am greatly pleas$ at y\r ?9k+ 
x1 z ,i d1      q a transfigur+ *ange444
 ,! next po9t ,i h m>k$      9 y\r lett]
 is t ab\t ! additions to ,si/]         
,hel54 ,( c\rse ,i knew t y\r hair mu/  
arise f y\r      scalp 9 prote/4 ,b :at 
%\ld y say if ,kei? ( ,ew]n      7 a    
?ree days' bridegroom--if ! spell _h    
begun on !      w$d+-morn+--& if ! bride
 h]self became ! la/      plead] = m]cy8
 ,i fancy y w see y\r way n[4 ,!        
culm9at+1 irresi/ible provocation helps1
 ,i ?9k1 to      humanize ,hel51 besides
 lift+ ! trag$y to a yet /]n]           
height4  ,if ,i _h felt 7z ,rossetti    
pr$ict$ ,i %\ld7 an uneasy s5sation ab\t
 ! roots ( ! hair ^u he>+ t he 0 mak+   
important additions to ! ballad :i*     

seem$ to me to be ! f9e/ ( 8 works1 !   
s5sation 9 t qu>t] 0 n less1 b m1 ^u    
le>n+ ! nature ( ^? additions4 ,b ,i    
mi/ook ! "* ( ! new incid5ts4 ,t ,si/]  
,hel5 %\ld be h]self ! ab&on$ bride (   
,ew]n 7= s ,i und]/ood ! poet's         
explanation71 &1 z su*1 ! la/ plead] =  
m]cy1 po9t$1 ,i ?\ght1 9 ! direction ( !
 humaniz+ em5dation 78,b he & ,i are    
sadd] /ill 87 :i* _h giv5 me s mu*      
pleasure4 ,t ,kei? ( ,ew]n %\ld be a    
?ree-days' bridegroom1 & t ! spell %\ld 
beg9 on ! w$d+ morn+1 7 incid5ts t seem$
 to int5sify e l9e ( ! poem4 ,9 ?is view
 ( ,rossetti's acc\nt ( ! additions1 !re
 7 c]ta9ly difficulties out ( :i* ,i    
c\ld see no way1 b ,i seem$ to realise t
 ,hel5's hate1 l ,macbe?'s ambition1 _h 
ov]leap$ itself1 & fall5 on ! o!r side1 
& t %e w\ld undo h] "w1 if to return 7 n
 h>d] ?an to g on2 h] initiate          
s5sibility _h ga9$ h>d use1 b ev5 z hate
 recoils on love1 s out ( ! a%es ( hate 
love _h aris54 ,9 ?is view ( !          
*>act]isation ( ,hel51 ! p>allel )      

,macbe? /ruck me m & m z ,i ?\ght ( x4  
,:5 ,macbe? kills ,duncan1 & he>s !     
grooms ( ! *amb] cry 9 _! sleep--8,god  
bless u10 he _c say 8,am510       ,i _h 
mo/ ne$ ( bless+1 & ,am5      ,/uck 9 my
 ?roat4  ,hel5 plead+ too late = m]cy   
aga9/ ! pot5cy ( ! spell %e h]self _h   
rais$1 seem$ to me an incid5t t rais$ h]
 to ! utmo/ height ( tragic creation4 ,b
 ,rossetti's purpose 0 at once less     
ambiti\s & m satisfy+4       ,y\r       
passage z to ! *anges 9 ,si/] ,hel5 c\ld
 n      well 7) all its f9e             
sugge/iv5ess7 be likely to meet         
exactly a reality :i* _h n be5 submitt$ 
to y\r eye      9 ! v]ses !mselves4 ,x  
is ! bride ( ,kei? :o is      ! la/     
plead]--z va9ly z ! o!rs1 & ) a yet     
m exult+ developm5t ( v5geance 9 ! =sak5
      wit*4 ,! only ackn[l$gm5t by h] ( 
a mutual mis]y is      /ill f\nd 9 ! l9e
 y spott$ z s great a ga9      be=e1 & 9
 ! la/ l9e %e speaks4 ,i ought to h     
s5t ! /anzas to expla9 !m prop]ly1 b h  
"s      reluctance to v5tilate !m at    

pres5t1 mu* z ,i %\ld      l !          
opportunity ( read+ !m to y4 ,!y w meet 
y\r eye 9 due c\rse1 & ,i am sure ( y\r 
approval also      z reg>ds _! value to 
! ballad4444 ,don't let !      *anges 9 
,hel5 get w9d ov]mu*4 ,i want !m to be  
new      :5 publi%$4 ,answ] ?is :5 y c4 
,i l gett+      y\r epi/les4  ,! fre%   
/anzas 9 "q1 :i* _h already obta9$ !    
suffrages ( 8 bro!r1 ( ,mr4 ,bell       
,scott1 & o!r qualifi$ critics1 7       
subsequ5tly s5t to me4 ,!y are z foll[s4
 ,aft] ,kei? ( ,kei?1 ! fa!r ( ,si/]    
,hel5's sometime lov]1 has plead$ = 8   
son 9 va91 ! la/ suppliant to arrive is 
8 son's bride3       ,a lady "h1 by a   
d>k /e$ br\ght1           ,si/] ,hel51  
,s d>kly clad ,i saw h] n4      8,see h]
 n[ or nev] see aught1           ,little
 bro!r60            7,o ,"m1 ,m>y ,"m1  
,:it m to see1 betwe5 ,hell & ,heav587  
8,h] hood falls back1 & ! moon %9es     
fair1           ,si/] ,hel51      ,on ! 
,lady ( ,ew]n's gold5 hair40            
8,ble/ h\r ( my p[] & h] despair1       

,little bro!r60            7,o ,"m1 ,m>y
 ,"m1      ,h\r ble/ & bann'd1 betwe5   
,hell & ,heav567       8,pale1 pale h]  
*eeks1 t 9 pride did gl[1               
,si/] ,hel51      #8,nea? ! bridal-wrea?
 ?ree days ago40       8,"o morn = pride
 & ?ree days = woe1           ,little   
bro!r60            7,o ,"m1 ,m>y ,"m1   
,?ree days1 ?ree nights1 betwe5 ,hell & 
,heav567       8,h] clasp'd h&s /ret* f 
h] b5d+ head1           ,si/] ,hel52    
,) ! l\d w9d's wail h] sobs are w$40    
8,:at w$d+-/ra9s ha? h] bridal b$1      
,little bro!r80            7,o ,"m1 ,m>y
 ,"m1      ,:at /ra9 b dea?'s1 betwe5   
,hell & ,heav587       8,%e may n speak1
 %e s9ks 9 a swoon1           ,si/]     
,hel51--      ,%e lifts h] lips & gasps 
on ! moon40       8,oh6 might ,i b he>  
h] s\l's bli! tune1           ,little   
bro!r60            7,o ,"m1 ,m>y ,"m1   
,h] woe's dumb cry1 betwe5 ,hell &      
,heav567       8,!y've caught h] to     
,we/holm's saddle-b[1      ,si/] ,hel51 
,& h] moonlit hair gleams :ite 9 its    

fl[40       8,let x turn :it] ?an w9t]  
sn[1           ,little bro!r60          
7,o ,"m1 ,m>y ,"m1      ,woe-)]$ gold1  
betwe5 ,hell & ,heav567  ,besides ^! !re
 are two new /anzas1 "o go+ be=e1 & !   
o!r foll[+ aft]1 ! six /anzas quot$1 b z
 ! scatt]$ passages involve no f>!r     
incid5t1 & are r ( int]e/ z expla9+ &   
p]fect+ ! idea "h express$1 ?an valuable
 9 !mselves1 ,i d n repr9t !m4  ,i ?9k x
 mu/ be all[$1 by fit judges1 t no?+ m  
subtly conceiv$ ?an ?is incid5t c be met
 ) 9 ,engli% poetry1 ?\gh some?+ ak9 to 
x 0 project$ by ,col]idge 9 an episode (
 8 contemplat$ ,mi*ael ,scott4 ,x is--9 
! full s5se ( an abus$ epi!t--too weird 
to be call$ picturesque4 ,b ! cr[n+ m]it
 ( ! poem /ill lies1 z ,i h said1 9 !   
doma9 ( "*4 ,?r\gh all ! outbur/s ( h]  
ignesc5t hate ,si/] ,hel5 c nev] lose ! 
in]adicable relics ( h] human love3     
,b he & ,i are sadd] /ill4  ,z ,rossetti
 f "t to "t made *anges 9 8 poems1 he   
transcrib$ ! am5d$ v]ses 9 a copy ( !   
,tau*nitz edition :i* he kept con/antly 

by him4 ,^u ref]5ce to ?is little volume
 "s days aft] 8 dea?1 ,i discov]$ t he  
_h prefac$ ,si/] ,hel5 ) a note writt5 9
 p5cil1 ( :i* he _h giv5 me ! sub/ance 9
 conv]sation ab\t ! "t ( ! publication (
 ! alt]$ v]sion1 b :i* he ab&on$ :ile   
pass+ ! book ?r\gh ! press4 ,! note     
7evid5tly design$ to prec$e ! ballad7   
runs3       ,x is n unlikely t "s may be
 (f5d$ at see+ !      additions made ?us
 late to ! ballad ( ,s4 ,h4 ,my be/     
excuse is t ,i believe "s w wond] )     
myself t      su* a climax did n ent]   
into ! fir/ conception4  ,at ! foot ( ! 
poem ?is fur!r note is writt53       ,i 
wrote ?is ballad ei!r 9 #ahea or e>ly 9 
#aheb4 ,x 0      pr9t$ 9 a ?+ call$ ,!  
,dsseldorf ,annual 9 7,i      ?9k7      
#ahec--publi%$ 9 ,g]many4 99       99 ,9
 ! same private copy ( ! ,poems ! foll[+
      explanatory passage 0 writt5 ov] !
 mu*-discuss$      sonnet1 entitl$1 ,!  
,mono*ord3--8,t sublimat$ mood (      ! 
s\l 9 :i* a sep>ate ess5ce ( itself     
seems z x      7 to ov]so> & survey x40 

,nei!r ! /yle nor !      sub/ance is    
*>act]i/ic ( ,rossetti1 & ?\gh ,i d n   
at ! mom5t rememb] to h met ) ! passage 
else:]e1 ,i d\bt n x is a quotation4 ,t 
quotation      m>ks are employ$ is n 9  
itself evid5ce ( mu* mom5t1      =      
,rossetti _h ,col]idge's enjoym5t ( a   
lit]>y      practical joke1 & on "o     
occasion prefix$ to a /ory 9            
manuscript a long passage on noses      
purport+ to be f      ,tri/ram ,%&y1 b  
:i* is c]ta9ly n discov]able 9          
,/]ne's /ory4  ,! next lett] ,i %all    
quote appe>s to expla9 itself3          
,!re is a la/ po9t 9 y\r long lett] :i* 
,i h n      notic$1 ?\gh x int]e/$ me   
mu*3 viz41 :at y say (      y\r lecture 
on my poetry2 y\r idea ( possibly       
return+      to & enl>g+ x w\ld1 if     
c>ri$ out1 be welcome to me4      ,i    
suppose ere long ,i mu/ get toge!r su*  
additional "w      z ,i h to            
%[--probably a good deal add$ to ! old  
vol4 7:i* has be5 = "s "t out ( pr9t7 & 
"o      long] poem by itself4 ,! ,h\se (

 ,life1 :5 next      issu$1 w ,i tru/ be
 d\bl$ 9 numb] ( sonnets2 x is          
ne>ly s already4 ,y\r writ+ t essay 9 "o
 day1 &      ! in=mation z to subsequ5t 
additions1 ,i not$1 &      %\ld l to see
 ! passage on ,j5ny :i* y h n      yet  
us$1 if extant4 ,! "t tak5 9 composition
 rem9ds      me ( ! fact 7s long ago67 t
 ,i wrote ! tale ( ,h&      & ,s\l 7) ! 
exception ( an op5+ page or two7 all    
9 "o night 9 ,decemb] #ahdi1 beg9n+ ,i  
suppose ab\t #b      ,a4,m4 & end+ ab\t 
#g4 ,9 su* a case a l&scape & sky       
all unsurmis$ op5 gradually 9 ! m9d--a  
sort (      spiritual ,turn]1 among ^:  
hills "o ranges & 9      ^: wat]s "o    
/rikes out at unkn[n lib]ty2 b ,i h     
f\nd ?is only 9 nightlong "w1 :i* ,i h  
seldom      attempt$1 = x leaves "o     
entirely brok51 & ?is /ate      0 m9e :5
 ,i describ$ ! l ( x at ! close ( !     
/ory1 ah6 once aga91 h[ long ago6 ,i h  
?\ght (      includ+ ?is /ory 9 next    
issue ( poems1 b am      unc]ta94 ,:at  
?9k y8  ,x seem$ c]ta9 t ,h& & ,s\l     

ought n to cont9ue to lie 9 ! back      
numb]s1 ( a magaz9e4 ,! /ory1 be+ m poem
 ?an aught else1 might prop]ly lay claim
 to a place 9 any fre% collection ( !   
au?or's works4 ,i c\ld see no natural   
objection on ! score ( its be+ writt5 9 
prose4 ,z ,col]idge & ,wordswor? bo?    
aptly said1 prose is n ! anti!sis (     
poetry2 sci5ce & poetry may /& ov]-aga9/
 ea* o!r1 z ,keats impli$ by 8 fam\s    
toa/3 8,confusion to ! man :o took !    
poetry out ( ! moon10 b prose & poetry  
surely are or may be practically "o4 ,we
 "k t 9 rhy?mic fl[ !y sometimes come v 
close toge!r1 & n[h]e clos] ?an 9 !     
height5$ prose & ! poetry ( ,rossetti4  
,poetic prose may n be ! be/ prose1 j z 
7to use a false anti!sis7 dull poetry is
 call$ prosaic2 b !re is no natural     
antagonism betwe5 prose & v]se z lit]>y 
m$iums1 provid$ always t ! _s t animates
 !m be ak94 ,rossetti himself con/antly 
urg$ t 9 prose ! fir/ necessity 0 t x   
%\ld be direct1 & he knew no reproa* (  
poetry m damn+ ?an to say x 0 writt5 9  

proseman's diction4 ,?is 0 ! key to 8   
depreciation ( ,wordswor?1 & d\btless x 
0 ?is t ultimately op]at$ ) him to      
exclude ! /ory f 8 publi%$ works4 ,i    
took ano!r view1 & did n see t an       
accid5tal diff]5ce ( outw>d =m ought to 
prev5t 8 unit+ )9 s+le book-cov]s       
productions t _h s mu* ( _! ess5tial _s 
9 common4 ,unlike ! ,*9ese1 we d n read 
by sight only1 & !re is 9 ! /ory su*    
ri*ness1 fre%ness1 & v>iety ( cad5ce1 z 
appeal to ! e> also4 ,prose may be !    
l[e/ ord] ( rhy?mic composition1 b we "k
 x is capable ( su* purity1 sweetness1  
/r5g?1 & ela/icity1 z entitle x to a    
place z a si/] art ) poetry4 ,milton1   
h[ev]1 al?\gh he wrote ! noble/ (       
,engli% prose1 seem$ m ?an half a%am$ ( 
x1 z ( a k9d ( left-h&$ p]=mance4 ,goe! 
& ,wordswor?1 on ! o!r h&1 n to speak ( 
,col]idge & ,%elley 7or yet ( ,keats1 ^:
 lett]s are among ! v be/ examples      
extant ( ! ,engli% epi/ol>y /yle71 wrote
 prose ( wond]ful beauty & 7 n a%am$ (  
x4 ,9 ,milton's case ! subjects1 ,i     

imag9e1 7 to blame = 8 indiff]5ce to 8  
a*ievem5ts 9 prose1 = n ev5 ! ,we/m9/]  
,conv5tion1 or ! divorce topics (       
,tetra*ordon1 or yet ! lib]ty ( ! press1
 albeit rais$ to a level ( philosophic  
fir/ pr9ciples1 7 q up to ^? fix$ />s ( 
sublimity ab\t :i* x 0 ,milton's        
pleasure to revolve4 ,h& & ,s\l is 9    
faultless h>mony ) ,rossetti's "w 9     
v]se1 because di/+ui%$ by ! same /r5g? (
 imag9ation4 ,t x 0 writt5 9 a s+le     
night seems extraord9>y :5 view$ 9      
relation to its su/a9$ beauty2 b x is   
done 9 a brea?1 & has all ! excell5cies 
( f]v\r & =ce t result ^u t me?od (     
composition only4  ,a ye> or two lat]   
?an ! date ( ! correspond5ce ) :i* ,i am
 n[ deal+1 ,rossetti read al\d a fragm5t
 ( a /ory writt5 ab\t ! p]iod ( ,h& &   
,s\l4 ,x 0 to be entitl$ ,/4 ,agnes (   
,int]cession1 & x dealt 9 a my/ic way ) 
! doctr9e ( ! transmigration ( s\ls4 ,he
 con/antly express$ 8 int5tion ( f9i%+ !
 /ory1 & said t1 al?\gh 9 its exi/+     
condition x 0 fully z long z ! companion

 /ory1 x w\ld require twice z mu* m to  
complete x4 ,dur+ ! "t ( our /ay at     
,bir*+ton1 at ! beg9n+ ( #ahhb1 he seem$
 anxi\s to get to "w ^u x1 & _h !       
manuscript s5t d[n f ,london = t        
purpose2 b ! packet lay unop5$ until    
aft] 8 dea?1 :5 ,i glanc$ at x aga9 to  
refre% my memory z to its cont5ts4 ,!   
fragm5t is mu* too inconclusive z to    
design to admit ( any satisfy+ acc\nt ( 
its plot1 ( :i* !re is m1 ?an 9 ,h& &   
,s\l4 ,z f> z x goes1 x is ! /ory ( a "y
 ,engli% pa9t] :o becomes ! victim ( a  
conviction t 8 s\l has _h a prior       
exi/5ce 9 ?is _w4 ,! halluc9ation takes 
entire possession ( him1 & s unsettles 8
 life t he leaves ,engl& 9 se>* ( relic 
or evid5ce ( 8 spiritual 8d\ble40       
,f9ally1 9 a picture-gall]y abroad1 he  
comes face to face ) a portrait :i*' he 
in/antly recognises z ! portrait (      
himself1 bo? z he is n[ & z he 0 9 ! "t 
( 8 antec$5t exi/5ce4 ,^u inquiry1 !    
portrait proves to be t ( a di/+ui%$    
pa9t] c5turies dead1 ^: "w _h long be5 !

 "y ,engli%man's guid+ beacon 9 me?ods (
 art4 ,/>tl$ beyond measure at ! s+ul>  
discov]y ( a co9cid5ce :i*1 sup]/ition  
ap>t1 might well a/oni% ! mo/           
uns5tim5tal1 he sick5s to a fev]4 ,"h ! 
fragm5t ends4 ,late "o ev5+1 9 ,augu/   
#ahha1 ,rossetti gave me a full acc\nt (
 ! rema9+ incid5ts1 b ,i f9d myself )\t 
memor&a ( :at 0 said 7x 0 nev] my habit 
to keep record ( 8 or ( any man's       
conv]sation71 & my recollection ( :at   
pass$ is too indef9ite 9 "s sali5t      
p>ticul>s to make x safe to attempt to  
complete ! outl9es ( ! /ory4 ,i consid] 
! fragm5t 9 all respects f9] ?an ,h& &  
,s\l1 & ! passage descriptive ( !       
arti/'s id5tification ( 8 own p]sonality
 9 ! portrait on ! walls ( ! gall]y     
among ! v f9e/ pieces ( picturesque1    
impassion$1 & dramatic writ+ t ,rossetti
 ev] a*iev$4 ,on "o occasion ,i rem>k$  
incid5tally ^u some?+ he _h said ( 8    
enjoym5t ( riv]s ( morn+ air 99 9 ! spr+
 ( ! ye>1 t x w\ld be an inquiry fraught
 ) a curi\s int]e/ to f9d out h[ _m ( ^?

 :o h ! greate/ love ( ! ,spr+ 7 born 9 
x4       99 ,)9 ! p]iod ( my p]sonal k (
 ,rossetti's      habits1 he c]ta9ly    
nev] enjoy$ any 8riv]s ( morn+      air0
 at all1 unless !y 7 su* z visit$ him 9 
a      d>k5$ b$*amb]4  ,"o felt t "o    
c\ld "n a goodly numb] among ! ,engli%  
poets liv+ & dead4 ,x w\ld be an        
inquiry1 z ,hamlet might say1 su* z w\ld
 become a woman4 ,to ?is ,rossetti      
answ]$ t he 0 born on old ,may-day 7,may
 #ab71 #ahbh2 & !reupon he ask$ ! date (
 my own bir?4       ,! comp>ative dates 
( our bir?s are curi\s4444 ,i myself    
0 born on old ,may-,day 7#ab?71 9 ! ye> 
7#ahbh7 aft]      t 9 :i* ,blake di$4444
 ,y 7 born1 9 fact1 j z      ,i 0 giv+  
up poetry at ab\t #be1 on f9d+ t x      
imp$$ att5tion to :at con/itut$ ano!r   
aim & a      livelihood into ! b>ga91   
i4e4 pa9t+4 ,f t date      up to ! ye>  
:5 ,i publi%$ my poems1 ,i wrote        
extremely      little1--,i might almo/  
say no?+1 except ! r5ovat$      ,j5ny 9 
#aheh or #8#ei4 ,to ?is aga9 ,i add$ a  

passage or      two :5 publi%+ 9 #ahgj4 
,(t5 s9ce ,rossetti's dea? ,i h reflect$
 ^u ! fact t 9 t l5g?y correspond5ce    
betwe5 u :i* prec$$ p]sonal intimacy1 he
 nev] made m ?an a s+le pass+ allusion  
to ^? adv]se criticisms :i* did s mu* at
 "o p]iod to sadd5 & alt] 8 life4       
,b>ely1 inde$1 9 conv]sation did he t\* 
^u t sore subject1 b x 0 obvi\s en\gh to
 ! clos] obs]v]1 z well f 8 sil5ce z f 8
 spee*1 t ?\gh ! w\nds no long] rankl$1 
!y did n :olly heal4 ,i take x z evid5ce
 ( 8 desire to put by unpleasant        
reflections 7at lea/ :il/ heal? 0 :ole )
 him1 = he too (t5 n\ri%$ melan*oly     
retrospects :5 heal? 0 brok5 or         
unc]ta971 t 9 8 correspond5ce ) me1 z a 
"y fri5d :o knew no?+ at fir/ h& ( 8    
gloomi] side1 he con/antly dwelt )      
radiant satisfaction & hopefulness on ! 
fri5dly words t _h be5 said ( him4 ,& z 
frequ5tly z he call$ my att5tion to su* 
fav\rable comm5t1 he did s )\t a p>ticle
 ( vanity1 & ) only su* joy z he may    
feel :o kn[s 9 8 secret he>t he has     

depreciators1 to f9d t he has ard5t     
uphold]s too4 ,9 "o lett] he says3  ,i  
%\ld say t betwe5 ! appe>ance ( ! poems 
& y\r lecture1 !re 0 "o article on !    
subject1 ( a v ma/]ly k9d inde$1 by "s v
 s*ol>ly h& 7unkn[n to me71 9 ! ,new    
,york ,ca?olic ,_w 7,i ?9k 9 #ahgd74 ,i 
reta9 ?is article1 & w "s day s5d x y to
 read4  ,he s5t me ! article1 & ,i f\nd 
x1 z he _h f\nd x1 among ! be/ ?+s      
writt5 on ! subject4 ,naturally1 !      
criticism 0 be/ :]e ! subject dealt )   
imp+$ mo/ ^u ! _s ( m$ival ,ca?olicism4 
,p]haps ,ca?olicism is itself ess5tially
 m$ival1 & p]haps a man _c possibly be1 
:at ! ,ca?olic ,_w article call$        
,rossetti1 a 8m$ival arti/ he>t & s\l10 
)\t p>tak+ ( a /rong religi\s feel+ t is
 prim>ily ,ca?olic--s mu* 7 ! religion &
 art ( ! middle ages knit ea* to ea*4   
,yet1 ^u read+ ! article1 ,i d\bt$ "o ( 
! writ]'s inf]5ces1 namely1 t ,rossetti 
_h inh]it$ a ,ca?olic devotion to !     
,madonna4 ,n 8 ,ave only seem$ to me to 
live 9 an atmosph]e ( t5d] & s5sitive   

devotion1 b ,i miss$ altoge!r 9 x1 z 9  
o!r poems ( ,rossetti1 t old1 cont9ual1 
& indisp5sable ,ca?olic note ( my/ic    
,div9e love lo/ 9 love ( humanity :i*1  
,i suppose1 ,mr4 ,arnold w\ld call      
an?ropomorphism4 ,ye>s lat]1 :5 ,i came 
to "k ,rossetti p]sonally1 ,i p]ceiv$ t 
! writ] ( ! article 9 "q _h n made a bad
 %ot = ! tru?4 ,true x 01 t he _h       
inh]it$ a /rong religi\s _s--su* z c\ld 
only be call$ ,ca?olic--inh]it$ ,i say1 
=1 ?\gh f 8 imm$iate p>5ts1 he assur$ly 
did n inh]it any devotion to ! ,madonna1
 8 own submission to religi\s influ5ces 
0 too unreason+ & unque/ion+ to be any?+
 b intuitive4 ,despite "s               
worldly-m9d$ness1 & a c]ta9 %rewdness 9 
! managem5t ( ! m important affairs (   
daily life1 ,rossetti's attitude t[>ds  
spiritual ?+s 0 exactly ! rev]se ( :at  
we call ,prote/ant4 ,dur+ ! la/ mon?s ( 
8 life1 :5 ! prospect ( leav+ ! _w soon1
 & p]haps sudd5ly1 impress$ ^u 8 m9d a  
deep s5se ( 8 religi\s position1 he     
yield$ himself up unhesitat+ly to !     

intuitive influ5ces ,i speak (2 & s f> f
 be+ t\*$ by ! int]m9able controv]sies  
:i* h = ages be5 upsett+ & upre>+ cre$s1
 he seem$ bo? naturally incapable (     
compreh5d+ diff]5ces ( belief1 & unwill+
 to dwell ^u !m = an in/ant4 ,inde$1 he 
con/antly impress$ me dur+ ! la/ days ( 
8 life ) ! conviction1 t he 0 by        
religi\s bias ( nature a monk ( ! middle
 ages4  ,z to ! article 9 ,! ,ca?olic   
,magaz9e ,i ?\ght ,i p]ceiv$ f a curi\s 
habit ( biblical quotation t x mu/ h be5
 writt5 by an ,ecclesia/ic4 ,a rem>k 9 x
 to ! effect t old age is usually m     
indulg5t ?an middle life to ! "w ( fir/ 
manhood1 & t1 consequ5tly1 ,rossetti    
w\ld be a less c5sori\s judge ( 8 e>ly  
ef=ts at a lat] p]iod ( life1 seem$ to  
%[ t ! writ] himself 0 no long] a "y    
man4 ,fur!r1 ,i seem$ to see t ! review]
 0 n a pr(essional critic1 = 8 "w       
display$ few ( ! well-recognis$         
trade-m>ks ) :i* ! articles ( ! lit]>y  
m>ket are inv>iably br&$4 ,z a small    
matt] "o notic$ ! some:at slov5ly use ( 

! editorial we1 :i* at ! fag-end (      
passages sometimes dropp$ into ,i4 ,^u  
my rem>k+ ^u ?is to ,rossetti he        
rememb]$ incid5tally t a simil> conf\nd+
 ( ! s+ul> & plural numb] ( ! pron\n    
produces m>vell\sly sugge/ive effects 9 
a v diff]5t "w1 ,macbe?1 :]e ! k+ly we  
is tripp$ up by ! guilty ,i 9 _m places4
 ,rossetti wrote3  ,i am glad y lik$ !  
,ca?olic ,_w article1 :i* ,i c]ta9ly    
view z "o ( r>e lit]>y quality4 ,i h n !
 lea/ idea :o is ! writ]1 b am sorry n[ 
,i nev] wrote to him "u cov] ( ! editor 
:5 ,i receiv$ x4 ,i did s5d ! ,dante &  
,circle1 b don't "k if x 0 ev] receiv$  
or review$4 ,z y h ! vols1 ( ,=tnightly1
 look up a little poem ( m9e call$ !    
,cl\d ,conf9es1 a few mon?s lat]1 ,i    
suppose1 ?an ! tale4 ,x is "o ( my      
fav\rites1 among my own do+s4  ,i notic$
 at ?is e>ly p]iod1 z well z lat]1 t 9  
,rossetti's eyes a fav\rable review 0   
always enhanc$ 9 value if ! writ] happ5$
 to be a /rang] to him2 & ,i con/antly  
prote/$ t a fri5d's k ( "o's "w &       

sympa?y ) x ought n to be less          
delightful1 z su*1 ?an a /rang]'s1 h[ev]
 less surpris+1 ?\gh at ! same "t !     
tribute t is true to "o's art )\t       
auxili>y aids be+ br\ght to be> 9 its   
=mation mu/ be at once ! mo/ satisfy+   
assurance ( ! purity1 /r5g?1 &          
complet5ess ( ! art itself1 & ( ! safe &
 endur+ quality ( ! appreciation4 ,x is 
true t fri5ds :o are accu/om$ to our    
habit ( ?\ght & mann] ( expression      
sometimes cat* our mean+ be=e we h      
express$ x ,n r>ely1 be=e our ?\ght has 
rea*$ t /age at :i* x becomes           
intelligible to a /rang]1 a ^w1 a look1 
or a ge/ure w convey x p]fectly & fully 
to a fri5d4 ,& :at goes on betwe5 m9ds t
 exi/ 9 m or less intimate communion1   
goes on to a great] degree )9 !         
individual m9d :]e ! metaphysical       
equival5ts to a ^w or a look answ] to1 &
 are answ]$ by1 ! half-realis$          
conception4 ,h5ce x (t5 happ5s t ev5 :]e
 our t\* seems to ourselves delicate &  
precise1 a m9d n initiat$ 9 our         

self-*os5 me?od ( abbreviation f9ds only
 imp5etrable obscurity4 ,x is !n 9 !    
t5tative condition ( m9d j indicat$ t ! 
_s ( art comes 91 & enables a man s to  
clo! 8 ?\ght 9 lucid words & fitt+      
imag]y t /rang]s may "k1 :5 !y see x1   
all t x is1 & h[ he came by x4 ,al?\gh1 
!re=e1 ! praise ( fri5ds %\ld n be less 
delightful1 z praise1 ?an t t5d]$ by    
/rang]s1 !re is an add$ elem5t (        
surprise & satisfaction 9 ! latt] :i* ! 
=m] _c br+4 ,rossetti c]ta9ly nev]      
ov]-valu$ ! applause ( 8 own imm$iate   
circle1 b /ill no man 0 m s5sible ( !   
value ( ! good op9ion ( "o or two ( 8   
imm$iate fri5ds4 ,return+ to !          
correspond5ce1 he says3       ,9 :at ,i 
wrote z to critiques on my poems1 ,i    
meant to      express special           
gratification f ^? writt5 by            
/rang]s to myself & yet %[+ full k ( !  
subject & full sympa?y ) x4 ,su* 7      
,=mans at !      "t1 ! ,am]ican "o s9ce 
7& f> f alone 9 ,am]ica1      b ?is !   
be/7 & m lately y\r own4 ,o!r kn[n &    

unkn[n critics ( c\rse wrote on ! book  
:5 x      appe>$1 "s v fav\rably & o!rs 
q      suffici5tly abusive4  ,z to ,cl\d
 ,conf9es1 ,i told ,rossetti t ,i       
consid]$ x 9 philosophic grasp ! mo/    
p[]ful ( 8 productions1 & int]e/+ z be+ 
7unlike ! body ( 8 works7 m ne>ly ak9 to
 ! _s ( music ?an t ( pa9t+4       ,by !
 bye1 y are "r ab\t ,cl\d ,conf9es1 :i* 
is      my v be/ ?+--only1 hav+ be5     
fooli%ly s5t to a      magaz9e1 no      
notice :atev] result$4  ,rossetti 0 n   
always op5 to sugge/ions z to ! ne$ (   
cl>ify+ obscure phrases 9 8 v]ses1 b on 
"o or two occasions1 :5 ,i 0 s bold z to
 h9t at *anges1 ,i f\nd him 9 highly    
tractable moods4 ,i call$ 8 att5tion to 
:at ,i imag9$ might prove to be m]ely a 
pr9t]'s slip 9 8 poem 7a great fav\rite 
( m9e7 entitl$ ,! ,portrait4 ,! second  
/anza ran3       ,yet ?is1 ( all love's 
p]fect prize1      ,rema9s2 save :at 9  
m\rnful guise      ,takes c\nsel ) my   
s\l alone1--      ,save :at is secret & 
unkn[n1      ,bel[ ! e>?1 above ! sky4  

,! words 8yet0 & 8save0 seem$ to me 7&  
to ano!r fri5d7 some:at puzzl+1 & ,i    
ask$ if 8b0 9 ! s5se ( only _h be5      
meant4 ,he wrote3       ,t is a v j     
rem>k ( y\rs ab\t ! passage 9           
,portrait beg9n+ yet4 ,i meant to inf]  
yet only1 b      x c]ta9ly is truncat$4 
,i %all *ange ! l9e to            ,yet  
only ?is1 ( love's :ole prize1          
,rema9s1 etc4       ,b w\ld aga9 be     
dubi\s ?\gh explicable4 ,?anks = !      
h9t4444 ,i %all be mu* oblig$ to y = any
 su* h9ts      ( a v]bal nature4        
,,*apt] ,v4  ,! lett]s pr9t$ 9 ! =ego+  
*apt] are valuable z settl+ at fir/-h&  
all "q ( ! *ronology ( ! poems (        
,rossetti's volume ( #ahgj4 ,! poems ( !
 volume ( #ahha 7,rose ,m>y & c]ta9 ( ! 
sonnets except$7 grew "u 8 h& dur+ !    
p]iod ( my acqua9tance ) him1 & _! orig9
 ,i %all 9 due c\rse record4 ,! two     
prec$+ *apt]s h be5 = ! mo/ "p devot$ to
 su* lett]s 7& su* explanatory matt] z  
mu/ ne$s accompany !m7 z conc]n         
pr9cipally1 p]haps1 ! poet & 8          

correspond5t2 b ,i h ?r[n into two fur!r
 *apt]s a great body ( highly int]e/+   
lett]s on subjects ( g5]al lit]>y int]e/
 7embrac+ ! fulle/ /atem5t yet publi%$ (
 ,rossetti's critical op9ions71 & h     
res]v$ = a m advanc$ section ( ! "w a   
body ( fur!r lett]s on sonnet lit]ature 
:i* arose out ( ! discussion ( an       
an?ology t ,i 0 at ! "t engag$ 9        
compil+4  ,x 0 v natural t ,col]idge    
%\ld prove to be "o ( ! fir/ subjects   
discuss$ by ,rossetti1 :o admir$ him    
greatly1 & :5 x transpir$ t ,col]idge 01
 p]haps1 my own *ief idol1 & t :il/ ev5 
yet a *ild ,i _h p]us$ & rep]us$ n only 
8 poetry b ev5 8 my/ical philosophy     
7impalpable or obscure ev5 to 8 matur] &
 m enlight5$1 if no m zeal\s1 admir]s71 
! disposition to write ^u him became    
great ^u bo? sides4 8,y c nev] say too  
mu* ab\t ,col]idge = me10 ,rossetti w\ld
 write1 8= ,i wor%ip him on ! "r side ( 
idolatry1 & ,i p]ceive y "k him well40  
,^u ?is "o ( my fir/ rem>ks 0 t !re 0   
mu* 9 ,col]idge's high] descriptive v]se

 equival5t to ! l&scape art ( ,turn]4 ,!
 critical p>allel ,rossetti w>mly       
approv$ (1 add+1 h[ev]1 t ,col]idge1 at 
8 be/ z a pictorial arti/1 0 a          
spiritualis$ ,turn]4 ,he in/anc$ 81     
,we li/5$ & look$ sideways up1      ,!  
mov+ moon w5t up ! sky      ,& no :]e   
did abide1      ,s(tly %e 0 go+ up1     
,& a /> or two beside--      ,! *>m$    
wat] burnt alway      ,a /ill & awful   
r$4  ,i rem>k$ t ,%elley possess$ ! same
 p[] ( impregnat+ l&scape ) spiritual   
feel+1 & ?is ,rossetti readily all[$2 b 
:5 ,i proce$$ to say t ,wordswor?       
sometimes1 ?\gh r>ely1 display$ a p[]   
ak9 to x1 ,i f\nd him less w>mly        
responsive4 8,i grudge ,wordswor? e vote
 he gets10 99 ,rossetti frequ5tly said  
to me1 bo? 9 writ+1 & aft]w>ds 9        
conv]sation4 8,! ?ree greate/ ,engli%   
imag9ations10 he w\ld sometimes add1    
8are ,%akspe>e1 ,col]idge1 & ,%elley40  
,i h he>d him give a f\r? "n1 ,blake4   
99 ,!re is a /ory frequ5tly told ( h[1  
see+ two camels      walk+ toge!r 9 !   

,zoological ,g>d5s1 keep+ /ep 9      a  
%ambl+ way1 & conv]s+ ) "o ano!r1       
,rossetti      exclaim$3 8,!re's        
,wordswor? & ,rusk9 virtu\sly tak+      
a walk60  ,he ?\ght ,wordswor? 0 too mu*
 ! ,high ,prie/ ( ,nature to be h] lov]3
 too mu* conc]n$ to transfigure into    
poetry 8 pan!o-,*ri/ian philosophy      
reg>d+ ,nature1 to drop to 8 knees 9    
simple love ( h] to ?ank ,god t %e 0    
beautiful4 ,x 0 h>d to side ) ,rossetti 
9 8 view ( ,wordswor?1 p>tly because "o 
fe>$ he did n practise ! pati5ce        
necess>y to a full appreciation ( t     
poet1 & 0 consequ5tly apt to judge ( him
 by fugitive l9es read at r&om4 ,9 !    
connection 9 "q1 ,i in/anc$ ! l9es 7mu* 
admir$ by ,col]idge7 beg9n+       ,suck1
 little babe1 ,o suck aga96      ,x     
cools my blood1 x cools my bra91  &     
end+--       ,! breeze ,i see is 9 !    
tree1      ,x comes to cool my babe &   
me4  ,b ,rossetti w\ld n see t ?is la/  
c\plet d5ot$ ! po9t ( arti/ic vision at 
:i* ! poet ( nature id5tifi$ himself )  

h]1 9 sett+ aside or sup]s$+ all        
proprieties ( m]e spee*4 ,to him        
,wordswor?'s ,idealism 7:i* c]ta9ly _h !
 ,g]man trick ( keep+ close to ! gr\nd7 
only meant u to und]/& t ! =sak5 woman  
?r\gh ^: m\? ! words are spok5 79 ,!    
,affliction ( ,m>g>et ------ ( ------7  
saw ! breeze %ake ! tree af> (f4 ,& ?is 
attitude t[>ds ,wordswor? ,rossetti     
ma9ta9$ d[n to ! end4 ,i rememb] t      
sometime 9 ,m>* ( ! ye> 9 :i* he di$1   
,mr4 ,!odore ,watts1 :o 0 pay+ "o ( 8 _m
 visits to see him 9 8 la/ illness at ! 
sea-side1 t\*$1 9 conv]sation1 ^u ! p[] 
( ,wordswor?'s /yle 9 its high] ve91 &  
in/anc$ a noble passage 9 ! ,ode to     
,duty1 :i* runs3       ,/]n ,lawgiv]6   
yet ?\ do/ we>      ,! ,godhead's mo/   
b5ignant grace2      ,nor "k we any?+ s 
fair      ,z is ! smile ^u ?y face2     
,fl[]s laugh be=e !e on _! b$s2      ,& 
fragrance 9 ?y foot+ treads2      ,?\   
do/ pres]ve ! />s f wrong2      ,& ! mo/
 anci5t heav5s1 ?r\gh ,!e1 are          
fre% & /rong4  ,mr4 ,watts spoke )      

en?usiasm ( ! /r5g? & simplicity1 !     
sonor\sness & /ately m>* ( ^! l9es2 &   
numb]$ !m1 ,i ?9k1 among ! noble/ v]ses 
yet writt51 = e highe/ quality ( /yle4  
,b ,rossetti 0 unyield+1 & ?\gh he      
admitt$ ! beauty ( ! passage1 & 0       
ungrudg+ 9 8 tribute to ano!r passage   
:i* ,i _h in/anc$--            ,o joy t 
9 our emb]s--  he w\ld n all[ t         
,wordswor? ev] possess$ a grasp ( !     
great /yle1 or t 7despite ! ,ode on     
,immortality & ! sonnet on ,t\ssa9t     
,l',ouv]ture1 :i* he plac$ at ! head ( !
 poet's "w7 vital lyric impulse 0 ev]   
fully develop$ 9 8 muse4 ,he said3      
,z to ,wordswor?1 no "o reg>ds ! great  
,ode ) m      special & unique homage   
?an ,i d1 z a ?+ absolutely      alone (
 its k9d among all greate/ ?+s4 ,i _c   
say      t any?+ else ( 8 ) :i* ,i h ev]
 be5      famili> 7& ,i suff] f long    
disuse ( all famili>ity      ) him7     
seems at all on a level ) ?is4  ,9 all  
humility ,i reg>d 8 depreciatory op9ion1
 n at all z a valuable example ( lit]>y 

judgm5t1 b z indicative ( a cle> radical
 diff]5ce ( poetic bias betwe5 ! two    
poets1 su* z mu/ 9 ! same way h made    
,wordswor? resi/ ,rossetti if he _h     
appe>$ be=e him4 ,i am ! m confirm$ 9   
?is view f ! circum/ance t ,rossetti1   
?r\gh\t ! p]iod ( my acqua9tance ) him1 
seem$ to me always peculi>ly &1 if ,i   
may be p]mitt$ to say s )\t (f5ce1      
/rangely liable to ,mr4 ,watts's        
influ5ce 9 8 critical e/imates1 & t !   
case in/anc$ 0 p]haps ! only "o 9 :i* ,i
 knew him to resi/ ,mr4 ,watts's op9ion 
^u a matt] ( poetical criticism1 :i* he 
consid]$ to be almo/ f9al1 z 8 lett]s to
 me1 pr9t$ 9 ,*apt] ,,viii4 ( ?is       
volume1 w %[4 ,i _h a /rik+ in/ance (   
?is1 & ( ! real mode/y ( ! man :om ,i _h
 he>d & /ill he> spok5 ( z ! mo/        
arrogant man ( g5ius ( 8 day1 on "o ( ! 
fir/ occasions ( my see+ him4 ,he read  
out to me an additional /anza to !      
beautiful poem ,cl\d ,conf9es3 ,z he    
read x1 ,i ?\ght x v f9e1 & he evid5tly 
0 v fond ( x himself4 ,b he surpris$ me 

by say+ t he %\ld n pr9t x4 ,on my ask+ 
him :y1 he said3  8,watts1 ?\gh he      
admits its beauty1 ?9ks ! poem w\ld be  
bett] )\t x40  8,well1 b y l x y\rself10
 said ,i4  8,yes10 he repli$2 8b 9 a "q 
( ga9 or loss to a poem1 ,i feel t      
,watts mu/ be "r40  ,& ! poem appe>$ 9  
,ballads & ,sonnets )\t ! /anza 9 "q4 ,!
 same ?+ occurr$ ) reg>d to ! omission (
 ! sonnet ,nuptial ,sleep f ! new       
edition ( ! ,poems 9 #ahha4 ,mr4 ,watts 
took ! view 7to ,rossetti's great       
vexation at fir/7 t ?is sonnet1 h[soev] 
p]fect 9 /ructure & beautiful f !       
arti/ic po9t ( view1 0 8out ( place &   
altoge!r incongru\s 9 a gr\p ( sonnets s
 entirely spiritual z ,! ,h\se ( ,life10
 & ,rossetti gave way3 b ^u ! subject ( 
,wordswor? 9 8 relations to ,col]idge1  
,keats1 & ,%elley1 he 0 q inflexible to 
! la/4  ,9 a lett] treat+ ( o!r matt]s1 
,rossetti ask$ me if ,i ?\ght           
8,*ri/abel0 really exi/$ z a m$ival "n1 
or exi/$ at all e>li] ?an ,col]idge4 ,i 
repli$ t ,i _h n met ) x e>li] ?an !    

date ( ! poem4 ,i ?\ght ,col]idge's     
gr&daught] mu/ h be5 ! fir/ p]son to be>
 ! "n4 ,! o!r names 9 ! poem appe> to   
belong to ano!r family ( names1--names )
 a diff]5t orig9 & range (              
expression1--,leol9e1 ,grald9e1 ,rol&1 &
 mo/ ( all ,bracy4 ,x seem$ to me v     
possible t ,col]idge inv5t$ ! "n1 b x 0 
highly probable t he br\ght x to ,engl& 
f ,g]many1 :]e1 ) ,wordswor?1 he visit$ 
,klop/ock 9 #agih1 ab\t ! p]iod ( ! fir/
 "p ( ! poem4 ,! ,g]mans h names ( a    
k9dr$ etymology &1 ev5 if my guess prov$
 wide ( ! tru?1 x might /ill be a fact t
 ! "n _h ,g]man relations4 ,ano!r       
conjecture t seem$ to me a reasonable "o
 0 t ,col]idge evolv$ ! "n out ( !      
incid5ts ( ! op5+ passages ( ! poem4 ,! 
beautiful ?+1 n m f its beauty ?an its  
sugge/iv5ess1 suit$ 8 purpose exactly4  
,rossetti repli$3       ,resum+ ! ?read 
( my lett]1 ,i come to ! "q (      ! "n 
,*ri/abel1 viz43--z to :e!r x is to be  
f\nd      e>li] ?an ,col]idge4 ,i h n[  
realiz$ afre% :at ,i      knew long ago1

 viz43--t 9 ! grossly g>bl$ ballad (    
,syr ,caul9e1 9 ,p]cy's ,reliques1 !re  
is a ,ladye      ,*ry/abelle1 b z e     
/anza 9 :i* h] "n appe>s      w\ld seem 
c]ta9ly to be ,p]cy's own "w1 ,i suspect
 him      to be ! inv5tor ( ! "n1 :i* is
 assur$ly a mu*      bett] inv5tion ?an 
any ( ! /anzas2 & f ?is      wret*$     
s\rce ,col]idge probably enri*$ ! sph]e 
(      symbolic nom5clature4 ,h[ev]1 a  
g5u9e s\rce may turn      up1 b ! "n    
does n s\nd to me l a real "o4 ,z to    
a ,g]man orig91 ,i d n "k t language1 b 
w\ld n      ! second syllable be !re !  
"o acc5t$8 ,?is seems to      r5d] ! "n 
%apeless & improbable4  ,i m5tion$ an   
idea t once possess$ me despotically4 ,x
 0 t :]e ,col]idge says       ,h] silk5 
robe & inn] ve/      ,dropt to h] feet1 
& full 9 view      ,behold6 h] bosom &  
half h] side--      ,a sight to dream ( 
& n to tell14 4 4      ,%ield ! ,lady   
,*ri/abel6  he meant ultimately to %[   
eyes 9 ! bosom ( ! wit*4 ,i fanci$ t if 
! poet _h work$ out ?is idea 9 ! second 

"p1 or 9 8 nev]-compass$ cont9uation1 he
 mu/ h electrifi$ 8 read]s4 ,! fir/ "p (
 ! poem is ( c\rse immeasurably sup]ior 
9 wit*]y to ! second1 despite two gr&   
?+s 9 ! latt]--! passage on ! sev]ance (
 e>ly fri5d%ips1 & ! conclusion2 al?\gh 
! dext]ity ( h& 7n to speak ( ! ess5tial
 _s ( en*antm5t7 :i* is ev]y:]e pres5t 9
 ! fir/ "p1 & n[h]e dom9ant 9 ! second1 
exhibits itself n a little 9 ! m>vell\s 
passage 9 :i* ,grald9e bewit*es         
,*ri/abel4 ,t\*+ "s jocose allusion by  
,rossetti to ! necessity :i* lay ^u me  
to />tle ! _w ) a cont9uation ( ! poem  
bas$ ^u ! l9es ( my conjectural s*eme1  
,i ask$ him if he knew t a cont9uation 0
 actually publi%$ 9 ,col]idge's own     
pap]1 ,! ,morn+ ,po/4 ,x appe>$ ab\t    
#ahbj1 & 0 satirical ( c\rse--hitt+ (f  
_m peculi>ities ( v]sification1 if no m4
 ,) ,col]idge's playful love ( satiris+ 
himself anonym\sly1 ! cont9uation might 
ev5 be 8 own4 ,rossetti said3       ,i d
 n und]/& y\r e>ly idea ( eyes 9 ! bosom
      ( ,grald9e4 ,x is describ$ z 8t   

bosom old10 8t      bosom cold10 :i*    
seems to %[ t its )]$ "*      z comb9$ )
 ,g]ald9e's y\?1 0 :at %ock$ &      w>n$
 ,*ri/abel4 ,! fir/ edition says--      
,a sight to dream (1 n to tell3--       
,& %e is to sleep ) ,*ri/abel6       ,i 
d>e say ,col]idge alt]$ ?is1 because an 
idea arose1      :i* ,i actually he>d to
 h be5 report$ z ,col]idge's      real  
int5tion by a memb] ( contempor>y       
circles 7,p4 ,g4      ,patmore1 fa!r (  
,cov5try ,p4 :o convey$ ! report to     
me7--viz41 t ,grald9e 0 to turn out to  
be a man66 ,i      believe myself t !   
conclusion z giv5 by ,gillman f         
,col]idge's acc\nt to him is correct    
en\gh1 only n      picturesquely word$4 
,x does n seem a bad conclusion by      
any means1 ?\gh x w\ld require f9e      
treatm5t to make x      seem a really   
good "o4 ,( c\rse ! fir/ "p is s        
immeasurably beyond ! second1 t "o feels
 ,*as4 ,lamb's      view 0 "r1 & x %\ld 
h be5 ab&on$ at t      po9t4 ,! passage 
on sund]$ fri5d%ip is "o ( !            

ma/]pieces ( ! language1 b no d\bt 0    
writt5 q      sep>ately & !n fitt$ into 
,*ri/abel4 ,! two l9es      ab\t ,rol& &
 ,sir ,leol9e are simply an intrusion & 
an      outrage4 ,i _c say t ,i l !     
conclusion ne>ly s      well z ?is4 ,x  
h9ts at inf9ite beauty1 b someh[        
rema9s a sort ( cobweb4 ,! conception1 &
 p>tly !      execution1 ( ! passage 9  
:i* ,*ri/abel repeats by      fasc9ation
 ! s]p5t-glance ( ,grald9e1 is          
magnific5t2      b t is ! only good     
n>rative passage 9 "p two4 ,!      re/  
seems to h rea*$ a fatal facility (     
j+l+1 at      ! heels :]e( foll[$       
,scott4  ,!re are1 ,i believe1 _m       
cont9uations ( ,*ri/abel4 ,tupp] did "o6
 ,i myself saw a cont9uation 9 *ildhood1
 long be=e ,i saw ! orig9al1 & 0 all    
agog to see x = ye>s4 ,our h\sehold 0   
all ( ,italian1 n ,engli% environm5t1 & 
x 0 only :5 ,i w5t to s*ool lat] t ,i   
began to ransack book/alls4 ,!          
cont9uation 9 "q 0 by "o ,eliza ,/ew>t1 
& appe>$ 9 a %ortliv$ mon?ly ?+ call$   

,smallwood's ,magaz9e1 to :i* my fa!r   
contribut$ "s ,italian poetry1 & s x    
came into ! h\se4 ,i ?\ght ! cont9uation
 spirit$ !n1 & p]haps x may h be5 s4    
,?is mu/ h be5 be=e #ahdj ,i ?9k4  ,!   
o!r day ,i saw 9 a booksell]'s          
catalogue--,*ri/abess1 by ,s4 ,t4       
,colebrit*e1 translat$ f ! ,doggrel by  
,sir ,v9eg> ,sponge 7#ahaf74 ,?is seems 
a p>ody1 n a cont9uation1 9 ! v ye> ( ! 
poem's fir/ appe>ance6 ,i did n ?9k x   
wor? two %ill+s1--:i* 0 ! price4444 ,h y
 se5 ! cont9uation ( ,*ri/abel 9        
,european ,magaz9e8 ( c\rse x might h   
be5 ,col]idge's1 s f> z ! date ( !      
composition ( ! orig9al 0 conc]n$2 b (  
c\rse x 0 n 84  ,i imag9e ! 8,sir ,v9eg>
 ,sponge0 :o translat$ 8,*ri/abess f !  
,dogg]el0 mu/ belong to ! family (      
,sponges describ$ by ,col]idge himself1 
:o give out ! liquid !y take 9 mu*      
dirti] ?an !y imbibe x4 ,i ?\ght x v    
possible t ,col]idge's epigram to ?is   
effect might h be5 provok$ by ! lampoon 
ref]r$ to1 & ,rossetti also ?\ght ?is   

probable4 ,imm$iately aft] meet+ ) !    
cont9uation ( ,*ri/abel already ref]r$  
to1 ,i came across great numb]s ( su*   
cont9uations1 z well z satires1 p>odies1
 reviews1 etc41 9 old issues (          
,blackwood1 ,! ,qu>t]ly1 & ,! ,exam9]4  
,!y seem$ to me1 = ! mo/ "p1 poor 9     
quality--! highe/ rea* ( comicality to  
:i* !y atta9$ be+ conc]n$ ) side slaps  
at ,kubla ,khan3       ,bett] poetry ,i 
make      ,:5 asleep ?an :5 awake4      
,am ,i sure1 or am ,i guess+8      ,are 
my eyes l ^? ( ,less+8  ,?is latt]      
elegant c\plet 0 expect$ to s]ve z a    
scor*+ satire on a lett] 9 ! ,biographia
 ,lit]>ia 9 :i* ,col]idge says he saw a 
portrait ( ,less+ at ,klop/ock's1 9 :i* 
! eyes seem$ s+ul>ly l 8 own4 ,! "t has 
gone by :5 t flight ( egotism on        
,col]idge's "p seem$ an unp>donable     
(f5ce1 & to our m mod]n judgm5t x       
sc>cely seems necess>y t ! au?or (      
,*ri/abel %\ld be *>g$ ) a desire to    
look radiant 9 ! glory reflect$ by an   
accid5tal p]sonal resemblance to ! au?or

 ( ,laokoon4 ,curi\sly en\gh ,i f\nd    
evid5ce ( ! ,patmore v]sion (           
,col]idge's int5tions z to ! ultimate   
disclosure ( ! sex ( ,grald9e 9 a review
 9 ! ,exam9]4 ,! au?or 0 p]haps         
,hazlitt1 b m probably ! editor himself1
 b :e!r ,hazlitt or ,hunt1 he mu/ h be5 
)9 ! circle t f\nd its rally+ po9t at   
,highgate1 & consequ5tly acqua9t$ ) !   
e>lie/ =ms ( ! poem4 ,! review is an    
unfav\rable "o1 & ,col]idge is told 9 x 
t he is ! dog-9-!-mang] ( lit]ature1 & t
 8 poem is pro( ( ! fact t he c write   
bett] nons5se poetry ?an any man 9      
,engl&4 ,! writ] is p>ticul>ly wro? )   
:at he consid]s ! wilful indef9it5ess ( 
! au?or1 & 9 pro( ( a *>ge ( a desire n 
to let ! public into ! secret ( ! poem1 
& ( a consci\s endeav\r to my/ify !     
read]1 he delib]ately accuses ,col]idge 
( omitt+ "o l9e ( ! poem z x 0 writt51  
:i*1 if pr9t$1 w\ld h prov$ conclusively
 t ,grald9e _h s$uc$ ,*ri/abel aft]     
gett+ drunk ) h]1--= su* sequel is      
impli$ if n op5ly /at$4 ,i told         

,rossetti ( ?is brutality ( criticism1 &
 he repli$3       ,z = ! passage 9      
,*ri/abel1 ,i am n sure we q      und]/&
 ea* o!r4 ,:at ,i he>d ?r\gh ! ,patmores
 7a      complete mi/ake ,i am sure71 0 
t ,col]idge meant      ,grald9e to prove
 to be a man b5t on ! s$uction (        
,*ri/abel1 & presumably effect+ x4 ,:at 
,i inf]r$ 7if      s7 0 t ,col]idge _h  
int5d$ ! l9e z 9 fir/      ed43 8,& %e  
is to sleep ) ,*ri/abel60 z lead+ up    
too ne>ly to :at he meant to keep back =
 ! pres5t4      ,b ! :ole ?+ 0 a figm5t4
  ,:at is assur$ly n a figm5t is1 t an  
idea1 su* z ! eld] ,patmore ref]r$ to1  
really did exi/ 9 ! m9ds ( ,col]idge's  
s-call$ fri5ds1 :o aft] prais+ ! poem   
beyond measure :il/ x 0 9 manuscript1   
abus$ x beyond reason or dec5cy :5 x 0  
pr9t$4 ,my settl$ conviction is t !     
,exam9] criticism1 & n ! sudd5 adv5t ( !
 idea aft] ! fir/ "p 0 writt51 0 ! cause
 ( ,col]idge's adopt+ ! correction :i*  
,rossetti m5tions4  ,rossetti call$ my  
att5tion to a lett] by ,lamb1 ab\t :i*  

he ga!r$ a good deal ( int]e/+          
conjecture3       ,!re is 7giv5 9       
,cottle7 an inconceivably s>ca/ic1      
gall+1 & admirable lett] f ,lamb to     
,col]idge1      reg>d+ :i* ,i nev] c\ld 
le>n h[ ! deuce _!      fri5d%ip recov]$
 f x4 ,cottle says ! only reason he     
c\ld ev] trace = its be+ writt5 lay 9 ! 
?ree      p>odi$ sonnets 7"o be+ ,!     
,h\se t ,jack ,built7      :i* ,col]idge
 publi%$ z a skit on ! jo9t volume      
br\ght out by himself1 ,lamb1 & ,lloyd4 
,! :ole ?+ 0      always a my/]y to me4 
,b ,i h ?\ght t ! passage      on       
division betwe5 fri5ds 0 n improbably   
writt5 by      ,col]idge on ?is         
occasion4 ,curi\sly en\gh 7if s7 ,lamb1 
:o is said to h object$ greatly to !    
idea ( a second      "p ( ,*ri/abel1    
?\ght 7on see+ x7 t !      mi/ake 0     
r$eem$ by ?is v passage4 ,he may h      
trac$ its mean+1 ?\gh1 ( c\rse1 its     
beauty alone 0      en\gh to make him   
say s4  ,! ?ree satirical sonnets :i*   
,rossetti ref]s to appe> n only 9       

,cottle b 9 a note to ! ,biographia     
,lit]>ia ,!y 7 publi%$ fir/ "u a        
fictiti\s "n 9 he ,mon?ly ,magaz9e ,!y  
mu/ be und]/ood z almo/ :olly satirical 
( ?ree di/9ct facets ( ,col]idge's own  
mann]1 = ev5 ! sonnet 9 :i* occur !     
words       ,eve sadd5s into night1 99  
has its c\nt]p>t 9 ,! ,songs ( !        
,pixies--       ,h5ce6 ?\ l+]]1 light6  
,eve sadd5s into night1  & ne>ly all !  
phrases satiris$ are borr[$ f           
,col]idge's own poetry1 n f t ( ,lamb or
 ,lloyd4 ,nev]!less1 ,cottle 0 d\btless 
"r z to ! fact t ,lamb took (f5ce at    
,col]idge's conduct on ?is acc\nt1 &    
,rossetti almo/ c]ta9ly made a good %ot 
at ! tru? :5 he attribut$ to ! rupture  
!reupon ensu+ ! passage on sev]$        
fri5d%ip4 ,! sonnet on ,! ,h\se t ,jack 
,built is ! f9e/ ( ! ?ree z a satire4   
99 ,s 9 ! ,biographia ,lit]>ia2 9       
,cottle1 8,eve d>k5s      into night40  
,inde$1 ! figure us$ !re9 z an equipoise
 to 8! h9dw>d *>ms0  satirises p]fectly 
! /yle ( writ+ *>act]is$ by inflat$     

?\ght & imag]y4 ,x may be d\bt$ if !re  
exi/s any?+ m comical2 b ea* ( !        
companion sonnets is good 9 its way4 ,! 
egotism1 :i* 0 a con/ant reproa* urg$ by
 ,! ,ed9burgh critics & by ! 8,cockney  
,poets0 aga9/ ! poets ( ! ,lake ,s*ool1 
is spl5didly hit (f 9 ! fir/ sonnet2 !  
l[ & creep+ meanness1 or say1 simpl5ess1
 z contra/$ ) simplicity1 ( ?\ght &     
expression1 :i* 0 /eal+ into            
,wordswor?'s "w at t p]iod1 is equally  
clev]ly ridicul$ 9 ! second sonnet4 ,9  
reproduc+ ! sonnets1 ,col]idge claims   
only to h satiris$ types4 ,z to ,lamb's 
lett]1 x is1 inde$1 h>d to realise !    
fact t ! 8g5tle-he>t$ ,*>les10 z        
,col]idge himself nam$ him1 c\ld write a
 gall+ lett] to ! 8inspir$ *>ity-boy10 =
 :om at an e>ly p]iod1 & aga9 at ! end1 
he _h s pr(\nd a rev]5ce4 ,e ^w is an   
outrage1 & e syllable mu/ h hit         
,col]idge t]ribly4 ,i call$ ,rossetti's 
att5tion to ! surpris+ circum/ance t 9 a
 lett] writt5 imm$iately aft] ! date ( !
 "o 9 "q1 ,loyd tells ,cottle t he has  

nev] kn[n ,lamb 7:o is at ! mom5t /ay+ )
 him7 s happy be=e z j !n6 ,!re c h>dly 
be a d\bt1 h[ev]1 t ,rossetti's         
conjecture is a j "o z to ! orig9 ( !   
great passage 9 ! second "p ( ,*ri/abel4
 ,t\*+ t passage ,i call$ 8 att5tion to 
an imp]fection t ,i mu/ h p]ceiv$1 or   
?\ght ,i p]ceiv$ long be=e1--an         
imp]fection ( craftsman%ip t _h tak5    
away some?+ ( my absolute enjoym5t ( its
 _m beauties4 ,! passage ends--         
,!y p>t$1 ne'er to meet aga96      ,b   
nev] ei!r f\nd ano!r      ,to free !    
holl[ he>t f pa9+--      ,!y /ood alo(1 
! sc>s rema9+1      ,l cliffs :i* _h be5
 r5t asund]2      ,a dre>y sea n[ fl[s  
betwe51      ,b nei!r heat1 nor fro/1   
nor ?und]1      ,%all :olly d away1 ,i  
we51      ,! m>ks ( t :i* once ha? be54 
,?is is1 x is ne$less to say1 9 almo/ e 
respect1 f9ely felt1 b ! words italicis$
 appe>$ to display "s insuffici5cy (    
poetic vision4 ,fir/1 no?+ b an e>?quake
 w\ld 7speak+ )9 limits ( human         
exp]i5ce7 unite ! two sides ( a rav9e2 &

 ?\gh fro/ might br+ !m toge!r          
tempor>ily1 heat & ?und] mu/ be p[]less 
to make or to unmake ! m>ks t %[$ !     
cliffs to h once be5 "o1 & to h be5     
viol5tly torn ap>t4 ,next1 heat 7suppos+
 fro/ to be ! root-conception7 0        
obvi\sly us$ m]ely z a balanc+ phrase1 &
 ?und] simply z ! inevitable rhyme to   
asund]4 ,i h n se5 ?is matt] allud$ to1 
?\gh x may h be5 m5tion$1 & x is c]ta9ly
 n important en\gh to make any s]i\s    
d$uction f ! pleasure af=d$ by a passage
 t is 9 o!r respects s ri* 9 beauty z to
 be able to endure su* mode/ disc\nt+4  
,rossetti repli$3       ,y\r geological 
/rictures on ,col]idge's 8fri5d%ip0     
passage are b too j1 & ,i believe q new4
 ,b ,i      w\ld fa9 ?9k t ?is is 8to   
consid] too nicely40 ,i am      c]ta9ly 
will+ to be> ! obloquy ( nev] hav+ be5  
/ruck by :at is nev]!less obvi\s en\gh4 
99444 ,lamb's      lett] is a teaz]4 ,! 
?ree sonnets 9 ,! ,mon?ly      ,magaz9e 
7 sign$ 8,nehemiah ,higg9bo?am10 & 7    
meant to bant] good-hum\r$ly ! jo9t vol4

 issu$ by      ,col]idge1 ,lamb1 &      
,lloyd1--,c4 himself be+1 ( c\rse1      
! mo/ obvi\sly ridicul$4 ,i fancy y h   
really hit      ! m>k z reg>ds          
,col]idge's epigram & ,sir ,v9eg>       
,sponge4 ,he might h be5 wor? two %ill+s
 aft] all4444      ,i also rememb] not+ 
,lloyd's ass]tion ( ,lamb's             
exceptional happ9ess j aft] t lett]4 ,x 
is a      puzzl+ affair4 ,h[ev] ,c4 &   
,lamb got ov] x 7= ,i      c]ta9ly      
believe !y 7 fri5ds lat] 9 life7 no "o  
seems to h record$4 ,! second vol4 (    
,cottle1 aft] !      rac9ess ( ! fir/1  
is v disappo9t+4       99 ,9 a note on  
?is passage1 ,canon ,dixon writes3 ,:at 
is      meant is t 9 cliffs1 actual     
cliffs1 ! action ( ^!      ag5ts1 heat1 
cold1 ?und] ev51 might h an oblit]at+   
p[]2 b 9 ! sev]ance ( fri5d%ip1 !re is  
no?+      7heat ( nature1 fro/ ( "t1    
?und] ( accid5t or      surprise7 t c   
:olly h ! l effect4  ,on "o occasion    
,rossetti wrote1 say+ he _h writt5 a    
sonnet on ,col]idge1 & ,i 0 curi\s to   

le>n :at note he /ruck 9 deal+ ) s      
complex a subject4 ,! keynote ( a man's 
g5ius or "* %\ld be /ruck 9 a poetic    
address to him1 j z ! expressional      
individuality ( a man's features 7fre$ (
 ! modify+ or emphasis+ effects ( pass+ 
fa%ions ( dress71 %\ld be reproduc$ 9 8 
portrait2 b ,col]idge's m9d _h s _m     
sides to x1 & 8 "* _h su* v>i$          
aspects--f ke5 & beautiful s5sibility to
 e =m ( suff]+1 to almo/ utt] disreg>d (
 ! calls ( dome/ic duty--t x seem$      
difficult to ?9k :at k9d ( idea1        
consi/5t ) ! unity ( ! sonnet & its     
simplicity ( s*eme1 w\ld call up a      
picture ( ! entire man4 ,x goes aga9/ ! 
gra9 to h9t1 ador+ ! man z we mu/1 t    
,col]idge's p]sonal "* 0 any?+ less ?an 
"o ( unt>ni%$ purity1 & c]ta9ly ! p]sons
 *iefly conc]n$ 9 ! alleg$ neglect1     
,s\!y & 8 own family1 h nev] jo9$ 9 !   
/rictures commonly levell$ aga9/ him3 b 
:atev] ,col]idge's p]sonal ego may h    
be51 8 creative ego 0 assur$ly n s+le 9 
k9d or aim4 ,he did "s noble ?+s late 9 

life 7in/ance ! passage on 8,y\? &      
,age10 & t on 8,"w )\t ,hope071 b 8     
poetic g5ius seem$ to des]t him :5 ,kant
 took possession ( him z a gigantic     
w9dmill to d battle )1 & x is n[ h>d to 
say :i* 0 ! deep] ?+ 9 him3 ! poetry to 
:i* he devot$ ! sunnie/ ye>s ( 8 "y     
life1 or ! philosophy :i* he firmly     
believ$ x to be ! ma9 bus9ess ( 8 lat]  
life to exp\nd4 ,9 any discussion ( !   
relative claims ( ^! two to ! gratitude 
( ! ages t foll[1 ,i f\nd ,rossetti     
frankly took "o side1 & con/antly said t
 ! few unequal poems ,col]idge _h left  
u1 7 a legacy m /imulat+1 solac+1 &     
endur+1 ?an 8 philosophy c\ld h be51 ev5
 if he _h p]fect$ t attempt ( 8 to      
reconcile all le>n+ & revelation1 & if1 
:5 p]fect$1 ! :ole ef=t _h n prov$ to be
 a "w ( sup]]ogation4 ,i d\bt if        
,rossetti q knew :at 0 meant by         
,col]idge's 8sy/em10 z x 0 s frequ5tly  
call$1 & ,i "k t he c\ld n be induc$ by 
any eulogiums to d s mu* z look at !    
,biographia ,lit]>ia1 ?\gh once he li/5$

 :il/ ,i read a *apt] f x4 ,he _h       
c]ta9ly little love ( ! ,g]man elem5ts 9
 ,col]idge's lat] intellectual life1 &  
h5ce x is small matt] = surprise t 9 8  
sonnet he *ose = treatm5t ! m poetic    
side ( ,col]idge's g5ius4 ,nev]!less1 ,i
 ?9k x rema9s an op5 "q :e!r !          
philosophy ( ! au?or ( ,! ,anci5t ,m>9] 
0 m influ5c$ by 8 poetry1 or 8 poetry by
 8 philosophy2 = ! philosophy is always 
t+$ by ! my/icism ( 8 poetry1 & 8 poetry
 is always adumbrat$ by ! disposition1  
:i* aft]w>ds become p>am\nt1 to dig     
b5ea? ! surface = problems ( life & "*1 
& = 8sugge/ions ( ! f9al my/]y (        
exi/5ce40 ,i h he>d ,rossetti say t :at 
came mo/ ( all upp]mo/ 9 ,col]idge1 0 8 
wond]ful intuitive k & love ( ! sea1 ^: 
bill[y roll1 & break1 & sibilation1     
seem$ e*o$ 9 ! v me*anism ( 8 v]se4     
,sleep1 too1 ,rossetti ?\ght1 _h giv5 up
 to ,col]idge h] utmo/ secrets2 & p]haps
 x 0 p>tly due to 8 own sad exp]i5ce ( !
 dread curse ( insomnia1 z well z to ke5
 susceptibility to poetic beauty1 t te>s

 s frequ5tly fill$ 8 eyes1 & sobs rose  
to 8 ?roat :5 he recit$ ! l9es beg9n+   
,o sleep6 x is a g5tle ?+--  affirm+1   
meantime1 t no?+ s simple & t\*+ _h ev] 
be5 writt5 on ! subject4 ,z to ! sonnet1
 he wrote3       ,ab\t ,col]idge 7:om ,i
 only view z a poet1 8 o!r      aspects 
be+ to my appreh5sion m]e bogies7 ,i    
conceive !      lead+ po9t ab\t 8 "w is 
its human love1 & !      lead+ po9t ab\t
 8 c>e]1 ! sad fact ( h[ little      ( x
 0 devot$ to t "w4 ,^! are ! po9ts made 
9      my sonnet1 & ! la/ is su* z ,i   
7alas67 c sympa?ise      )1 ?\gh :at has
 exclud$ m poetry ) me      7m\nta9s ( x
 ,i don't want to heap7 has *iefly be5  
livelihood necessity4 ,i #8ll copy !    
sonnet on opposite      page1 only ,i   
#8d r y kept x to y\rself4 ,five ye>s   
( good poetry is too long a te!r to give
 8 ,muse1 ,i      "k4       ,8 ,s\l f>$ 
=? 7z f ! deep home-grove           ,!  
fa!r ,song/] plies ! h\r-long que/7     
,to fe$ 8 s\l-brood hung]+ 9 ! ne/2     
,b 8 w>m ,he>t1 ! "m-bird above      ,_!

 call[ fl$gl+ prog5y /ill hove          
,) t5t$ ro( ( w+s & fo/]+ brea/         
,till ! ,s\l f$ ! s\l-brood4 ,ri*ly ble/
      ,f ,heav5 _! gr[?1 ^: food 0      
,human ,love4       ,tet ah6 ,l des]t   
pools t %ew ! />s           ,once 9 long
 leagues--ev5 su* ! sc>ce-snat*$ h\rs   
,:i* deep5+ pa9 left to 8 lordlie/      
p[]s3--      ,heav5 lo/ ?r\gh           
spid]-trammell$ prison-b>s6             
,five ye>s1 f sev5ty sav$6 yet k9dl+    
skies           ,own !m1 a beacon to our
 c5turies4  ,z a m9or po9t ,i call$     
,rossetti's att5tion to ! fact t        
,col]idge liv$ to be sc>cely m ?an      
sixty1 & t 8 poetic c>e] really ext5d$  
ov] six good ye>s2 & h5ce ! ?irte5? l9e 
0 am5d$ to            ,six ye>s f sixty 
sav$4  ,i d\bt$ if 8deep5+ pa90 c\ld be 
*>g$ ) ! :ole burd5 ( ,col]idge's       
con/itutional procra/9ation1 & to ?is   
objection ,rossetti repli$3       ,l9e  
elev5 9 my fir/ read+ 0 8deep5+ slo?20 b
      x seem$ h>%--&--damn x all6 mu*   
too l ! _s      ( ,banquo6  ,be=e       

,col]idge1 h[ev]1 z to w>m? (           
admiration1 & be=e him also z to date ( 
influ5ce1 ,keats 0 ,rossetti's fav\rite 
among mod]n ,engli% poets4 ,our fri5d   
nev] tir$ ( writ+ or talk+ ab\t ,keats1 
& nev] we>i$ ( ! society ( any "o :o    
c\ld g5]ate a fre% ?\ght conc]n+ him4 ,b
 8 0 a robu/ & mascul9e admiration1 hav+
 no?+ 9 common ) ! effem9ate            
extra-affectionat5ess t has ( late be5 s
 mu* ridicul$4 ,8 lett]s n[ to be quot$ 
%all speak = !mselves z to ! qualities 9
 ,keats :]eon ,rossetti's appreciation (
 him 0 f\nd$3 b ,i may say 9 g5]al t]ms 
t x 0 n s mu* ! weal? ( expression 9 !  
au?or ( ,endymion :i* attract$ ! au?or (
 ,rose ,m>y z ! p]fect hold ( !         
sup]natural :i* is se5 9 ,la ,belle     
,dame ,sans ,m]ci & 9 ! fragm5t ( ! ,eve
 ( ,/4 ,m>k4 ,at ! "t ( our             
correspond5ce1 ,i 0 engag$ ^u an essay  
on ,keats1 &  propos ( ?is ,rossetti    
wrote3       ,i %all take pleasure 9    
read+ y\r ,keats article :5      ready4 
,he 01 among all 8 contempor>ies :o     

e/abli%$      _! names1 ! "o true heir (
 ,%akspe>e4 ,ano!r      7une/abli%$ !n1 
b p>tly reviv$ s9ce7 0 ,*>les           
,wells4 ,did y ev] read 8 spl5did       
dramatic poem ,joseph      & 8 ,bre?r58 
,9 ?is connexion1 z a bett] opportunity 
may n arise1 ,i take occasion to tell   
briefly ! /ory ( ! revival ( ,wells4 ,! 
facts to be relat$ 7 communicat$ to me  
by ,rossetti 9 conv]sation ye>s aft] !  
date ( ! lett] 9 :i* ?is fir/ allusion  
to ! subject 0 made4 ,z a boy1          
,rossetti's *ief pleasure 0 to ransack  
old book-/alls1 & ! catalogues ( !      
,briti% ,museum1 = =gott5 works 9 !     
bye-ways ( ,engli% poetry4 ,9 ?is       
pursuit he became acqua9t$ ) ne>ly e    
curiosity ( mod]n poetic lit]ature1 & _m
 7 ! amus+ /ories he us$ to tell at t   
"t1 & 9 aft] life1 ( ! titles & cont5ts 
( ! lit]>y oddities he une>!d4 ,if y    
*anc$ at any mom5t to alight ^u any     
obscure book p>ticul>ly curi\s f its    
pret5ti\sness & pomposity1 f ! audacity 
( its claim1 or ! obscurity & absurdity 

( its writ+1 y might be sure t ,rossetti
 w\ld prove famili> ) x1 & be able to   
recapitulate ) inf9ite ze/ its sali5t   
features2 b if y happ5$ to drop ^u ev] s
 int]e/+ an edition ( a book 7n ( v]se7 
:i* y suppos$ to be kn[n to _m a read]1 
! *ances 7 at lea/ equal t ,rossetti    
w\ld prove to "k no?+ ( x b its "n4 ,9  
por+ ov] ! =gott5 pages ( ! poetry ( !  
beg9n+ ( ! c5tury1 ,rossetti1 :il/ /ill 
a boy1 met ) ! scriptural drama (       
,joseph & 8 ,bre?r54 ,he told me ! title
 did n mu* attract him1 b he resolv$ to 
glance at ! cont5ts1 & ) t swiftness (  
insight :i* ?r\gh\t life di/+ui%$ him1  
he in/antly p]ceiv$ its great qualities4
 ,i ?9k he said he !n wrote a lett] on !
 subject to "o ( ! curr5t lit]>y        
j\rnals1 probably ,! ,lit]>y ,gazette1 &
 by ?is means came into correspond5ce ) 
,*>les ,wells himself4 ,r lat] a        
relative ( ,wells's s\ght out ! "y      
en?usia/ 9 ,london1 int5d+ to solicit 8 
aid 9 an attempt to induce a publi%] to 
und]take a repr9t1 b 9 any endeav\rs to 

?is end he mu/ h fail$4 ,= _m ye>s a    
copy ( ! poem1 left by ! au?or's reque/ 
at ,rossetti's lodg+s1 lay !re unt\*$1 &
 meantime ! gr[+ reputation ( ! "y pa9t]
 br\ght ab\t c]ta9 removals f           
,blackfri>s ,bridge to o!r *amb]s1 &    
aft]w>ds to ! h\se 9 ,*eyne ,walk4 ,9 ! 
c\rse ( ^! *anges ! copy got hidd5 away1
 & x 0 n until num]\s applications = x  
_h be5 made t x 0 at l5g? f]ret$ =? f ! 
*aos ( "s simil> volumes huddl$ toge!r 9
 a corn] ( ! /udio4 ,full ( remorse =   
hav+ s long ab&on$ a laudable project1  
,rossetti !n took up afre% ! cause ( !  
neglect$ poem1 & enli/$ ,mr4 ,sw9burne's
 int]e/ s w>mly z to prevail ) him to   
use 8 influ5ce to secure its            
publication4 ,?is fail$ h[ev]2 b 9 ,!   
,a!num ( ,april #h1 #ahgf1 appe>$ ,mr4  
,watts's elaborate acc\nt ( ,wells & !  
poem & its vicissitudes1 :]eupon        
,messrs4 ,*atto & ,w9dus (f]$ to take ! 
risk ( publi%+ x1 & ! poem w5t =? ) !   
noble comm5datory essay ( ! "y au?or (  
,atalanta1 ^: reputation 0 already almo/

 at its height1 ?\gh x lack$ 7d\btless f
 a t\* ( 8 con/itutional procra/9ation7 
! appreciative comm5t ( ! disc]n+ critic
 :o fir/ discov]$ x4 ,to return to !    
,keats correspond5ce3       ,i am truly 
delight$ to he> h[ "y y are4 ,9 orig9al 
"w1 a man does "s ( 8 be/ ?+s by y\r "t 
(      life1 ?\gh he only f9ds x out 9 a
 rage mu* lat]1 at      "s date :5 he   
expect$ to "k no long] t he _h      ev] 
done !m4 ,keats h>dly di$ s mu* too     
e>ly--n at      all if !re _h be5 any   
dang] ( 8 tak+ to ! mod]n      habit    
ev5tually--treat+ mat]ial z product1 &  
%oot+      x all out z x comes4 ,(      
c\rse1 h[ev]1 he w\ldn't2 he      0     
gett+ always *oic] & simpl]1 & my       
fav\rite      piece 9 8 works is ,la    
,belle ,dame ,sans ,m]ci--,i suppose    
ab\t 8 la/4 ,z to ,%elley1 x is really a
 m]cy t he      has n be5 hat*+ ye>ly   
univ]ses till n[4 ,he might1 ,i         
suppose2 = 8 fri5d ,trelawny /ill walks 
! e>?      )\t great-coat1 /ock+s1 or   
und]clo?+1 ?is      ,*ri/mas 7#ahgi74 ,9

 criticism1 matt]s are diff]5t1 z to    
seasons ( production4444 ,i am writ+    
hurri$ly &      horribly 9 e s5se4      
,write on ! subject aga9 & ,i'll        
try to answ] bett]4 ,all greet+s to y4  
,p4,s4--,i ?9k y\r ref]5ce to ,keats    
new1 & on a high      level ,x calls    
back to my m9d an adaptation ( 8 self-  
*os5 epitaph :i* ,i made 9 my v e>lie/  
days (      boyi% rhym+1 :5 ,i 0 r pr\d 
to be z cockney z      ,keats c\ld be4  
,"h x is1--            ,?r\gh "o1 ye>s  
s9ce damn$ & =got                ,:o    
/abb$ backs by ! ,qu>t]1           ,"h  
lie? "o :o1 :ile ,"t's /ream            
,/ill runs1 z ,god ha? taught h]1       
,be>+ man's fame to m51 ha? writ        
,8 "n ^u t wat]4       ,well1 ! rhyme is
 n s bad z ,keats's                     
,e>           ,( ,goddess ( ,!ra6--     
nor 7tell x n 9 ,ga?67 z---             
,i wove a cr[n be=e h]           ,= h]  
,i love s de>ly1           ,a g>l& =    
,l5ora6       ,is x possible ! laurel   
cr[n %\ld n[ hide a v5]at$      &       

impeccable e> :i* 0 once ! e> ( a       
cockney8  ,?is lett] 0 writt5 9 #ahgi1 &
 ! op5+ clauses ( x 7 no d\bt p5n$ "u ! 
impression1 !n /rong on ,rossetti's m9d1
 t 8 fir/ volume ( poems w\ld prove to  
be 8 only "o2 b :51 )9 two ye>s aft]w>ds
 he complet$ ,rose ,m>y1 & wrote ,!     
,k+'s ,trag$y & ,! ,:ite ,%ip1 ?is      
accession ( mat]ial dissipat$ ! notion t
 a man does mu* 8 be/ "w be=e           
tw5ty-five4 ,x c h>dly escape ! read] t 
?\gh ,rossetti's e>li] volume display$ a
 surpris+ maturity1 ! subsequ5t "o      
exhibit$ z a :ole inf9itely m p[] &     
feel+1 range ( sympa?y1 & k ( life4 ,!  
poet's dramatic in/9ct develop$         
enorm\sly 9 ! int]val betwe5 ! p]iods ( 
! two books1 &1 be+ consci\s ( ?is1     
,rossetti us$ to say 9 8 lat] ye>s t he 
w\ld nev] aga9 write poems z f 8 own    
p]son4       ,y say an excell5t ?+ he   
writes :5 y ask1 8,:]e      c we look = 
m poetry p] page ?an ,keats furni%es80  
,x is /range t !re is n yet "o complete 
edition (      him4 99 ,no d\bt !       

desid]atum 7s f> z c>e &                
exhau/iv5ess g71 w be suppli$ :5        
,=man's edition appe>s4 ,he is a good   
appreciator too1 z ,i      h reason to  
say4 ,y w ?9k x /range t ,i h      n se5
 ! ,keats love-lett]s1 b ,i mean to d s4
      ,h[ev]1 ,i am told !y add no?+ to 
"o's idea ( 8      epi/ol>y p[]s4444 ,i 
he> sometimes f ,buxton ,=man1      & 0 
s5d+ him ! o!r day an extract 7f a book 
call$ ,! ,unse5 ,_w7 :i* d\btless be>s  
on !      sup]/ition :i* ,keats int5d$  
to develope 9 8 lovely      ,eve ( ,/4  
,m>k--a fragm5t :i* seems to me to rank 
)      ,la ,belle ,dame ,sans ,m]ci1 z a
 cle> advance 9 direct                  
simplicity4444 ,y ought to h my rec5t   
,keats sonnet1 s      ,i s5d x4 ,y\r own
 plan1 = "o on ! same subject1 seems    
to me mo/ beautiful4 ,d x at once4 ,y w 
see t m9e      is aga9 conc]n$ ) !      
epitaph1 & p]haps my reviv+      ! latt]
 9 writ+ y 0 ! cause ( ! sonnet4        
99 ,rossetti aft]w>ds admitt$ 9         
conv]sation t !      ,ald9e ,edition    

seem$ complete1 ?\gh ,i ?9k he did n    
approve ( ! *ronological arrangem5t !re9
 adopt$2 at      lea/ he ?\ght t        
arrangem5t _h _m s]i\s                  
disadvantages4  ,rossetti =m$ a v       
diff]5t op9ion ( ,keats's love-lett]s1  
:51 a ye> lat]1 he came to read !m4 ,at 
fir/ he %>$ ! g5]al view t lett]s s     
intimes %\ld nev] h be5 made public4    
,aft]w>ds ! book _h irresi/ible *>ms =  
him1 f ! fir/ page :]eon 8 old fri5d1   
,mr4 ,bell ,scott1 has vigor\sly et*$   
,sev]n's draw+ ( ! once r$undant locks (
 ri* hair1 dank & matt$ ov] ! =ehead    
cold ) ! dea?-dew1 d[n to ! la/ l9e ( ! 
lett]press4 ,he ?\ght ,mr4 ,=man's "w   
admirably done1 & z = ! lett]s !mselves1
 he believ$ !y plac$ ,keats indisputably
 among ! highe/ ma/]s ( ,engli% epi/ol>y
 /yle4 ,he consid]$ t all ,keats's      
lett]s prov$ him to be no weakl+1 & t   
:atev] walk he _h *os5 he mu/ h be5 a   
ma/]4 ,he seem$ p>ticul>ly /ruck ) !    
app>5tly intuitive p]ception (          
,%akspe>e's subtle/ mean+s1 :i* c]ta9 ( 

! lett]s display4 ,9 a note he said3    
,=man gave me a copy ( ,keats's lett]s  
to ,fanny ,brawne4      ,! silh\ette    
giv5 ( ! lady is sadly dis5*ant+1 &     
may be ! /ronge/ pro( exi/+ ( h[ mu* a  
man may      "k ab\t ab/ract ,beauty )\t
 hav+ an arti/'s eye      = ! outside ( 
x4  ,! ,keats sonnet1 z fir/ %[n to me1 
ran z foll[s3       ,! welt]+ ,london   
ways :]e *ildr5 weep1--         ,:]e    
girls :om none call maid5s laugh1 :]e   
ga91         ,hurry+ m5's /eps1 is yet  
by loss o'erta'en3--      ,! bright     
,ca/alian br9k & ,lat9os' /eep3--       
,su* 7 8 pa?s1 till deep] & m deep1     
,he trod ! s&s ( ,le!2 & long pa91      
,we>y ) lab\r spurn$ & love f\nd va91   
,9 dead ,rome's %elt]+ %ad[ wrapp$ 8    
sleep4       ,o pang-d[]$ ,poet1 ^:     
rev]b]ant lips      ,& he>t-/rung lyre  
awoke ! moon's eclipse1--         ,?\   
:om ! daisies glory 9 gr[+ o'er1--      
,_! fragrance cl+s ar\nd ?y "n1 n writ1 
,b rum\r'd 9 wat]1 :ile ! fame ( x      
,along ,"t's flood goes e*o+ ev]more4   

,i ne$ h>dly say t ?is sonnet seem$ to  
me extremely noble 9 s5tim5t1 & 9 music 
a glori\s volume ( s\nd4 ,i felt1 h[ev]1
 t x w\ld be urg$ aga9/ x t x did n     
/rike ! keynote ( ! g5ius ( ,keats2 t x 
w\ld be said t 9 all ! p>ticul>s 9 :i*  
,rossetti _h tru?fully & pa!tically     
describ$ ,london1 ,keats 0 9 r ?an ( x2 
& t x w\ld be affirm$ t ,keats liv$ 9 a 
fairy _w ( 8 own inv5t+1 c>+ little = ! 
/orm & /ress ( ,london life4 ,on ! o!r  
h&1 ,i knew x c\ld be repli$ t ,keats 0 
n indiff]5t to ! mis]y ( city life2 t x 
bore heavily ^u him2 t x came out       
p[]fully & v sadly 9 8 ,ode to !        
,night+ale1 & t x may h be5 f %e]       
torture 9 ! contemplation ( x t he fl$  
away to a poetic _w ( 8 own creat+4     
,moreov]1 ,rossetti's sonnet t\*$ !     
life1 r ?an ! g5ius1 ( ,keats1 & ( ?is x
 /ruck ! keynote 9 ! op5+ l9es4 ,i      
v5tur$ to ?9k t ! second & ?ird l9es    
want$ a little cl>ify+ 9 ! relation 9   
:i* !y /ood4 ,!y seem$ to be a sudd5    
focuss+ ( ! laught] & weep+ previ\sly   

m5tion$1 r ?an1 :at !y 7 meant to be1 a 
natural & necess>y equipoise %[+ ! inn] 
life ( ,keats z contra/$ ) 8 out] life4 
,to su* an objection z ?is1 ,rossetti   
said3       ,i am r agha/ = my own      
lucidity :5 ,i read :at y      say z to 
! fir/ quatra9 ( my ,keats sonnet4      
,h[ev]1 ,i      always take ^!          
misconceptions z w>n+s to ! ,muse1      
& may probably alt] ! op5+ z bel[3      
,! welt]+ ,london ways :]e *ildr5 weep  
,& girls :om none call maid5s           
laugh1--/range road1           ,mir+ 8  
outw>d /eps :o inly trode           ,!  
bright ,ca/alian br9k & ,lat9os' /eep3--
           ,ev5 su* 8 life's cross-pa?s3
 till dea?ly deep           ,he toil$   
?r\gh s&s ( ,le!1 etc4           ,i #8ll
 say m an5t ,keats anon4  ,ab\t ! p]iod 
( ?is portion ( ! correspond5ce 7#ahhj7 
,i 0 engag$ read+ up old p]iodicals dat+
 f #ahaf to #ahbb4 ,my purpose 0 to get 
at fir/-h& all available data relative  
to ! life ( ,keats4 ,i ?\ght ,i met ) a 
good deal ( fre% mat]ial1 & z ! result (

 my read+ ,i believ$ myself able to     
correct a few errors z to facts into :i*
 previ\s writ]s on ! subject _h fall54  
,two ?+s at lea/ ,i realis$--fir/1 t    
,keats's poetic gift develop$ v rapidly1
 m rapidly p]haps ?an t ( ,%elley2 &1   
next1 t ,keats receiv$ va/ly m att5tion 
& appreciation 9 8 day ?an is commonly  
suppos$4 ,i f\nd x 0 q a blund] to say t
 ! fir/ volume ( miscellane\s poems fell
 flat4 ,"l ,h\ghton says 9 error t !    
book did n s mu* z seem to signal !     
adv5t ( a new ,cockney poet6 ,x is a    
fact1 h[ev]1 t ?is v book1 9 conjunction
 ) "o ( ,%elley's & "o ( ,hunt's1 all   
publi%$ #ahaf-ag1 gave rise to ! "n 8,! 
,cockney ,s*ool ( ,poets10 :i* 0 inv5t$ 
by ! writ] sign+ 8,z40 9 ,blackwood 9 ! 
e>ly "p ( #ahah4 ,nor _h ,keats to wait 
= ! publication ( ! volume be=e atta9+  
to "s poetic di/9ction4 ,at ! close (   
#ahaf1 an article1 "u ! head ( 8,"y     
,poets10 appe>$ 9 ,! ,exam9]1 & 9 ?is   
bo? ,%elley & ,keats 7 dealt )4 ,!n ,!  
,qu>t]ly conta9$ allusions to him1 ?\gh 

n by "n1 9 reviews ( ,leigh ,hunt's "w1 
& ,blackwood m5tion$ him v frequ5tly 9  
all sorts ( places z 8,johnny           
,keats0--all ?is 7or mu* ( x7 be=e he   
publi%$ any?+ except occasional sonnets 
& o!r fugitive poems 9 ,! ,exam9] &     
else:]e4 ,& !n :5 ,endymion appe>$ x 0  
abundantly review$4 ,! ,ed9burgh        
review]s _h no?+ on x 7! book _c h be5  
s5t to !m1 = 9 #ahbj !y say !y h only j 
met ) x71 & ,i c\ld n f9d any?+ 9 ! way 
( orig9al criticism 9 ,! ,exam9]2 b _m  
prov9cial pap]s 79 ,man*e/]1 ,exet]1 &  
else:]e7 & "s metropolitan pap]s retort$
 on ,! ,qu>t]ly4 ,all ?is1 h[ev]1 does n
 di/urb ! impression :i* 7,"l ,h\ghton &
 ,mr4 ,w4 ,m4 ,rossetti not)/&+7 ,i h   
be5 f ! fir/ compell$ to ent]ta91       
namely1 t 8lab\r spurn$0 did m ?an all  
else to kill ,keats 9 #ahba4  ,mo/ m5 :o
 rightly "k ! work+s ( _! own m9ds w    
agree t an adv]se criticism rankles     
long] ?an a flatt]+ notice soo!s2 & ?\gh
 x be %[n t ,keats 9 #ahbj 0            
comp>atively indiff]5t to ! praise ( ,! 

,ed9burgh1 x _c foll[ t 9 #ahah he mu/ h
 be5 sup]ior to ! blame ( ,! ,qu>t]ly4  
,x is difficult to see :y a man may n be
 ke5ly s5sitive to :at ! _w says ab\t   
him1 & yet reta9 all prop] manl9ess z a 
"p ( 8 lit]>y "*4 ,surely x 0 f ! mi/ak5
 impression t ?is c\ld n be1 & t an     
admission ( extreme s5sitiv5ess to      
criticism expos$ ,keats to a *>ge (     
effem9acy t ,"l ,h\ghton attempt$ to    
prove1 aga9/ ! evid5ce ( all imm$iate   
fri5ds1 aga9/ ! publi%]'s note to       
,hyp]ion1 aga9/ !  poet's self-*os5     
epitaph1 & aga9/ all b "o or two ( ! mo/
 self-conta9$ ( 8 lett]s1 t ! s\l (     
,keats 0 s f> f be+ 8snuff$ out by an   
article10 t x 0 m ?an ord9>ily imp]vi\s 
to ho/ile comm5t1 ev5 :5 x came 9 ! %ape
 ( rancor\s abuse4 ,9 all discussion ( !
 effects produc$ ^u ,keats by ! reviews 
9 ,blackwood & ,! ,qu>t]ly1 let x be    
rememb]$1 fir/1 t hav+ wellnigh exhau/$ 
8 small patrimony1 ,keats 0 to be       
dep5d5t ^u lit]ature = 8 future         
subsi/5ce2 next1 t ,leigh ,hunt attempt$

 no def5ce ( ,keats :5 ! bread 0 be+    
tak5 out ( 8 m\?1 & t ,keats felt ?is   
neglect & rem>k$ ^u x 9 a lett] 9 :i* he
 fur!r ca/ "s d\bt ^u ! purity ( ,hunt's
 fri5d%ip4 ,hunt1 aft] ,keats's dea?1   
said 9 ref]5ce to ?is3 8,_h he b giv5 me
 ! h9t60 ,! h9t1 =soo?6 ,moreov]1 ,i c  
f9d no sort ( allusion 9 ,! ,exam9] =   
#ahba1 to ! dea? ( ,keats4 ,i told      
,rossetti t by ! read+ ( ! p]iodicals ( 
! "t1 ,i =m$ a poor op9ion ( ,hunt4     
,previ\sly ,i 0 will+ to believe 9 8    
unsw]v+ loyalty to ! mu* great] m5 :o 7 
8 fri5ds1 b ev5 t poor confid5ce 9 him  
mu/ p]=ce be %ak5 :5 "o f9ds him sil5t  
at a mom5t :5 ,keats mo/ ne$s 8 voice1 &
 abusive :5 ,col]idge is a common       
subject ( ridicule4 ,x 0 all v well =   
,hunt to glorify himself 9 ! borr[$     
spl5d\r ( ,keats's e/abli%$ fame :5 !   
poet 0 tw5ty ye>s dead1 & to make mu* ( 
8 intimacy ) ,col]idge aft] ! homage (  
two g5]ations _h be5 (f]$ him1 b ,i "k (
 no in/ance 7unless 9 ! case ( ,%elley7 
9 :i* ,hunt /ood by 8 fri5ds 9 ! w9t] ( 

_! lives1 & gave !m t j\rnali/ic support
 :i* 01 poor man1 ! only ?+ he ev] _h to
 give1 :atev] he might take4 ,i h1      
h[ev]1 he>d ,mr4 ,h4 ,a4 ,bright 7"o (  
,haw?orne's intimate fri5ds 9 ,engl&7   
say t no man "h impress$ ! ,am]ican     
romanc] s mu* z ,hunt = good qualities1 
bo? ( he>t & head4 ,b :at ,i h /at$     
above1 ,i believe to be facts2 & ,i h   
ga!r$ !m at fir/-h&1 & by ! light ( !m  
,i d n hesitate to say t !re is no      
reason to believe t x 0 ,keats's illness
 alone t caus$ him to reg>d ,hunt's     
fri5d%ip ) suspicion4 ,x is true1 h[ev]1
 t :5 "o reads ,hunt's lett] to ,sev]n  
at ,borne1 "o feels t he mu/ be =giv54  
,on ?is pregnant subject ,rossetti      
wrote3       ,?anks = y\rs receiv$      
to-day1 & = all y say )      s mu* m k9d
 solicit\sness ?an ! matt] des]v$1      
ab\t ! op5+ ( ! ,keats sonnet4 ,i h n[  
realiz$      t ! new =m is a ga9 9 e    
way2 & am !re=e      glad t1 ?\gh aris+ 
9 accid5t1 ,i 0 l$ to make !            
*ange4444 ,all y say ( ,keats %[s t y h 

be5      read+ up ! subject ) good      
results4 ,i fancy x w\ld      h>dly be  
desirable to add ! sonnets y speak ( 7z 
be+ wor?less7 at ?is date1 ?\gh !y might
 be valuable      = quotation z to !    
c\rse ( 8 m5tal & physical      /ate4 ,i
 d n myself ?9k t any poems n[ includ$  
%\ld be remov$1 b ! reckless & ta/eless 
plan (      ! ga!r+s hi!rto 79 :i* !    
,night+ale & o!r      su* ma/]pieces are
 jo/l$ indiscrim9ately1 ) su*           
wret*$ juv5ile tra% z ,l9es to "s       
,ladies on      receiv+ a ,%elly etc71  
%\ld ( c\rse be am5d$1 &      ! rubbi%  
7( :i* !re is a fair quantity71 remov$  
to      a 8,juv5ile0 or o!r su* section4
 ,x is a curi\s fact      t among a     
poet's e>ly writ+s1 "s w really be      
juv5ile 9 ?is s5se1 :ile o!rs1 writt5 at
 ! same      "t1 w p]haps take rank at  
la/ ) 8 be/ ef=ts4      ,?is1 h[ev]1 0 n
 sub/antially ! case ) ,keats4       ,z 
to ,leigh ,hunt's fri5d%ip = ,keats1 ,i 
?9k ! po9ts      y m5tion look          
equivocal2 b ,hunt 0 a _m-lab\r$ &      

mu* belab\r$ man1 & z mu* all[ance z may
 be made on      ?is score is p]haps due
 to him--no m ?an t mu*4      ,8 own    
p[]s /& high 9 v>i\s ways--poetically   
high]      p]haps ?an is ,i at pres5t   
admitt$1 despite 8      dete/able flutt]
 & air9ess = ! mo/ "p4 ,b      assur$ly 
by no means c\ld he h /ood s high 9 !   
long-run1 z by a l\d & e>ne/ def5ce (   
,keats4 ,p]haps      ! be/ excuse = him 
is ! rema9+ possibility ( an      idea  
on 8 "p1 t any def5ce com+ f "o :o _h   
himself s _m p[]ful enemies might seem  
to ,keats      r to6 damage ?an improve 
8 position4       ,i h ?is m9ute 7at    
la/7 read ! fir/ in/alm5t (      y\r    
,keats pap]1 & return x4444 ,"o ( ! mo/ 
m>k$      po9ts 9 ! e>ly recognition (  
,keats's claims1 z      comp>$ ) !      
recognition giv5 to o!r poets1 is !     
fact t he 0 ! only "o :o secur$ almo/ at
 once a      great poet z a close &     
obvi\s imitator--viz41 ,hood1      ^:   
fir/ volume is m id5tical ) ,keats's "w 
?an      c\ld be said ( any o!r simil>  

p>allel4 ,y quote "s      ( ,keats's    
say+s4 ,"o ( ! mo/ *>act]i/ic ,i ?9k    
is 9 a lett] to ,haydon3--       8,i    
value m ! privilege ( see+ great ?+s 9  
lonel9ess1 ?an ! fame ( a prophet40 ,i  
_h n 9 m9d      ! quotations y give f   
,keats z be>+ on ! poetic      7or      
prophetic7 mission ( 8do+ good40 ,i mu/ 
say t ,i      %\ld n h ?\ght a long]    
c>e] ?r[n away ^u him      7z y         
intimate7 if he _h cont9u$ to ! age (   
any?+      only to give joy4 ,nor w\ld  
he ev] h done any 8good0 at      all4   
,%elley did good1 & p]haps "s h>m ) x4  
,keats's joy 0 aft] all a flawless gift4
       ,keats wrote to ,%elley3--8,y1 ,i
 am sure1 w =give me      = s9c]ely     
rem>k+ t y might curb y\r magnanimity   
& be m ( an arti/1 & load e rift ( y\r  
subject ) ore40 ,*eeky6--b n s mu*      
amiss4 ,poetry1      & no prophecy      
h[ev]1 mu/ come ( t mood1--& no         
pulpit w\ld h held ,keats's w+s1--! body
 & m9d      toge!r 7 n heavy en\gh = a  
c\nt]weight4444 ,did      y ev] meet )  

c5t],,endimion  ,,an ,,excell5t ,,fancy 
,,fir/ ,,compos$ ,,9 ,,fr5*  ,by        
,monsieur ,,gombauld  ,,& ,,n[          
,,elegantly ,,int]pret$  ,by ,,ri*>d    
,,hur/1 ,g5tleman  #afci4  8_/c5t]      
,x has v f9ely engrav$ plates ( ! late  
,flemi% type4      ,!re is a poem (     
,vaughan's on ,gombauld's ,endimion1 :i*
      might make "o ?9k x m fasc9at+ ?an
 x really is4      ,?\gh r prolix1      
h[ev]1 x has attractions z a            
some:at devi\s romantic treatm5t ( !    
subject4 ,!      little book is "o ( !  
fir/ ,i rememb] 9 ?is _w1      & ,i us$ 
to dip into x aga9 & aga9 z a *ild1 b   
nev] yet read x ?r\gh4 ,i /ill possess  
x4 ,i d>e say x      is n easily met )1 
& %\ld suppose ,keats _h      probably  
nev] se5 x4 ,if he _h1 he might really h
      tak5 a h9t or two = 8 s*eme1 :i*  
is h>dly s cle>      ev5 z ,gombauld's1 
?\gh its endless digressions teem )     
beauty4444 ,i d n ?9k y w\ld b5efit at  
all by see+      ,gombauld's ,endimion4 
,vaughan's poem on x might be wor?      

quot+ z %[+ :at att5tion ! subject _h   
receiv$      be=e ,keats4 ,i h ! poem 9 
,gilfillan's ,less-,kn[n      ,poets4   
,rossetti took a great int]e/ 9 ! fund  
/>t$ = ! relief ( ,mme4 de ,llanos1     
,keats's si/]1 ^: circum/ances 7 s]i\sly
 r$uc$4 ,he wrote3       ,by ! bye1 ,i  
don't "k :e!r ! subscription =          
,keats's old & only surviv+ si/] 7,madme
 de ,llanos7 has      be5 at all        
v5tilat$ 9 ,liv]pool4 ,x flags sorely4  
,d y      ?9k !re w\ld be any *ance 9   
y\r neighb\rhood8 ,if      s1           
prospectuses1 etc41 c\ld be s5t4  ,i did
 n view ! prospect ( subscriptions z v  
hopeful1 & s conceiv$ ! idea ( a lecture
 9 ! int]e/s ( ! fund4 ,on ?is project1 
,rossetti wrote3       ,i enclose       
prospectuses z to ! ,keats subscription4
 ,i may      say t ,i did n "k ! li/    
w\ld accompany !m--/ill      less t     
contributions w\ld be s l[ g5]ally z to 
leave me ne> ! head ( ! li/--an         
un5viable sort (      p>ade4444 ,my own 
op9ion ab\t ! lecture "q is      ?is4 ,y

 "k be/ :e!r su* a lecture c\ld be turn$
      to ! purposes ( y\r ,keats article
 7n[ 9 progress71 or      r be s mu*    
d$uction f ! fre%ness ( its             
res\rces3 & ?is %\ld be ! absolute te/ (
 its      be+ done or n done4444 ,i ?9k1
 if x c be done      )\t impov]i%+ y\r  
mat]ials1 ! me?od ( gett+      ,"l      
,h\ghton to preside & s rais+ z mu* f x 
z      possible is d\btless ! "r "o4 ,( 
c\rse ,i view x z      f> m hopeful ?an 
m]e di/ribution ( any numb] (           
prospectuses4444 ,ev5 #be w\ld be a     
great contribution to      ! fund4  ,!  
lecture project 0 n f\nd feasible1 &    
h5ce x 0 ab&on$4 ,meantime ! k9dness (  
fri5ds enabl$ me to add to ! li/ a good 
numb] ( subscriptions1 b feel+ sc>cely  
satisfi$ ) any su* success z ,i might be
 likely to h 9 t direction1 ,i op5$1 by 
! help ( a fri5d1 a correspond5ce ) ,"l 
,h\ghton ) a view to induc+ him to apply
 = a p5sion = ! lady4 ,x !n transpir$ t 
,"l ,h\ghton _h already appli$ to ,"l   
,beaconsfield = a p5sion = ,mme4        

,llanos1 & w\ld d\btless h got x1 _h n  
,mr4 ,buxton ,=man appli$ = a grant f ! 
,royal ,b\nty1 :i* 0 easi] to give4 ,i  
told ,rossetti ( ?is fact & he said3    
,i am n surpris$ ab\t ,"l ,h41 & feel   
sure x is a pity      he 0 n left to try
 ,beaconsfield1 b ,i judge !            
projectors on ! o!r side knew no?+ ( 8  
int5tions4      ,h[ev]1 ,i 0 9 no way a 
projector4  ,9 ! end ,"l ,h\ghton       
repeat$ to ,mr4 ,glad/one ! application 
he _h made to ,"l ,beaconsfield1 &      
succe$$4  ,rossetti mu/ h be5 among !   
e>lie/ admir]s ( ,keats4 ,i rem>k$ on "o
 occasion t x 0 v natural t ,"l ,h\ghton
 %\ld consid] himself 9 a s5se ! fir/   
among m5 n[ liv+ to *ampion ! poet &    
e/abli% 8 "n1 & ,rossetti admitt$ t ?is 
0 s1 & 0 ungrudg+ 9 8 tribute to ,"l    
,h\ghton's s]vices t[>ds ! bett]        
appreciation ( ,keats2 b he cont5d$1    
nev]!less1 t he _h himself be5 "o ( !   
fir/ writ]s ( ! g5]ation succe$+ !      
poet's own to admire & uphold him1 & t  
?is 0 at a "t :5 x made dem& ( "s c\rage

 to class him among ! immortals1 :5 an  
orig9al edition ( any ( 8 books c\ld be 
b\ght = sixp5ce on a book/all1 & :5 only
 ,leigh ,hunt1 ,c[d5 ,cl>ke1 ,hood1     
,b5jam9 ,haydon1 & p]haps a few o!rs1 7 
/ill liv+ ( ^? :o recognis$ 8 great     
gifts4     ,,*apt] ,,vi4  ,rossetti's   
prim>y int]e/ 9 ,*att]ton dates back to 
an e>ly p]iod1 z ,i f9d by ! date1      
#ahdh1 9 ! copy he possess$ ( ! poet's  
works4 ,b ?r\gh\t a long int]val he     
neglect$ ,*att]ton1 & x 0 n until 8     
fri5d ,!odore ,watts1 :o _h made        
,*att]ton a special /udy1 _h und]tak5 to
 select f & write ^u him 9 ,w>d's       
,engli% ,poets1 t he reviv$ 8 old       
acqua9tance4 ,:atev] ,rossetti did he   
did ?or\ghly1 & h5ce he became z        
intimate p]haps ) ! ,r[ley antiques z   
any o!r man _h ev] be54 ,8 lett]s writt5
 dur+ ! c\rse ( 8 ,*att]ton rese>*es    
mu/1 ,i ?9k1 prove extremely int]e/+4   
,he says3       ,glanc+ at y\r ,keats   
,,ms41 ,i notice 79 a s]ies (           
p>allels7 ! names ( ,m>l[e & ,savage2 b 

n ! less      8m>vell\s0 ?an absolutely 
miracul\s ,*att]ton4 ,are y      up 9 8 
"w8 ,he is 9 ! v fir/ rank6 ,!od4 ,watts
      is 8do+ him0 = ! new selection (  
poets by ,arnold &      ,w>d1 & ,i h    
contribut$ a sonnet to ,watts's         
article4444      ,i assure y ,*att]ton's
 "n mu/ come 9 some:]e 9      ! p>allel 
passage4 ,he 0 z great z any ,engli%    
poet      :atev]1 & might absolutely1 _h
 he liv$1 h prov$      ! only man 9     
,engl&'s !atre ( imag9ation :o c\ld     
h b&i$ p>ts ) ,%akspe>e4 ,! be/ way (   
gett+      at him is 9 ,skeat's ,ald9e  
edition 7,g4 ,bell & ,co41 #ahge74      
,read him c>efully1 & y w f9d 8         
ackn[l$g$ "w      ess5tially z p[]ful z 
8 antiques1 ?\gh less ev5ly             
successful--! ,r[ley "w hav+ be5 produc$
 9 ,bri/ol      leisure1 h[ev] indig5t1 
& ! mod]n poetry 9 ! v      fangs (     
,london /ruggle4 ,/rong d]ivative po9ts 
are to be      f\nd 9 ,keats & ,col]idge
 f ! /udy ( ,*att]ton4 ,i      feel mu* 
incl9$ to s5d ! sonnet 7on ,*att]ton7 z 

y      wi%1 b really ?9k x is bett] n to
 v5tilate ^!      ?+s till 9 pr9t4 ,i h 
s9ce writt5 "o on ,blake4 ,n      to "k 
,*att]ton is to be ignorant ( ! true    
day-      spr+ ( mod]n romantic         
poetry4444 ,i believe ! #c;d vol4      (
 ,w>d's ,selections ( ,engli% ,poetry1 =
 :i* ,watts is      select+ f ,*att]ton1
 w soon be out1--b ^!      exc]pts are v
 brief1 z are ! notices4 ,! r5d]+      f
 ! ,r[ley antique w be mu* bett] ?an    
any?+      =m]ly done4 ,skeat is a      
?or\gh philologi/1 b no h&      at all  
:5 sub/itution becomes unavoidable 9 !  
text4444      ,read ! ,ballad ( ,*>ity1 
! ,eclogues1 ! songs 9      lla1 z a    
fir/ ta/e4 ,among ! mod]n poems ,n>va & 
,m>$1 & ! o!r ,african ,eclogues4 ,^!   
are alone 9      t section poetry       
absolute1 & ?\gh !y are v      unequal1 
x has be5 mo/ truly said by ,malone t to
 ?r[      ! ,african ,eclogues into !   
,r[ley dialect w\ld be at      once a   
satisfactory key to ! "q :e!r ,*att]ton 
%[$ 9 8 own p]son ! same p[]s z 9 !     

p]son (      ,r[ley4 ,among ! satirical 
& light mod]n pieces !re      are _m ( a
 fir/-4 rate ord]1 ?\gh g5]ally unequal4
      ,p]fect specim5s1 h[ev]1 are ,!   
,rev5ge1 a ,burletta1      ,skeat1 vol  
i2 ,v]ses to a ,lady1 p4 #hd2 ,j\rnal   
,six?1 p4 #cc2      ,! ,prophecy1 p4    
#aic2 & op5+ ( ,fragm5t1 p4 #acb4 ,i    
w\ld advise y to consult ! orig9al text4
  ,mr4 ,watts1 x seems1 ) all 8         
admiration ( ,*att]ton1 f9d+ t he c\ld n
 g to ,rossetti's l5g? 9 comp>+ him )   
,%akspe>e1 did n 9 ! result consid] !   
sonnet on ,*att]ton ref]r$ to 9 ! =ego+ 
lett]1 & giv5 bel[1 suitable to be      
embodi$ 9 8 essay3       ,) ,%akspe>e's 
manhood at a boy's wild he>t1--         
,?r\gh ,hamlet's d\bt to ,%akspe>e ne>  
alli$1         ,& k9 to ,milton ?r\gh 8 
,satan's pride1--      ,at ,dea?'s sole 
door he /oop$1 & crav$ a d>t2      ,& to
 ! de> new b[] ( ,engl&'s art1--        
,ev5 to t %r9e ,"t else _h deifi$1      
,! unutt]$ he>t t so>$ aga9/ 8 side1--  
,drove ! fell po9t1 & smote life's seals

 ap>t4       ,?y ne/$ home-loves1 noble 
,*att]ton1         ,! angel-trodd5 /air 
?y s\l c\ld trace         ,up           
,r$cliffe's spire2 & 9 ! _w's arm$ space
      ,?y gallant sword-play3--^! to _m 
an "o      ,are sweet = ev]2 z ?y grave 
unkn[n1         ,& love-dream ( ?9e     
unrecord$ face4  ,"s m5tion 0 made 9 ?is
 connection ( ,rossetti's "y connection1
 ,oliv] ,madox ,br[n1 :o wrote ,gabriel 
,d5v] 7o!rwise ,! ,black ,swan7 at      
sev5te5 ye>s ( age4 ,i m5tion$ !        
indiscreet rem>k ( a fri5d :o said t    
,oliv] _h en\gh g5ius to /ock a good few
 ,*att]tons1 & !reupon ,rossetti s5t me 
! foll[+ outbur/3       ,y mu/ take c>e 
to be on ! "r tack ab\t ,*att]ton4      
,i am v glad to f9d ! gift$ ,oliv] ,m4  
,b4 already an      embryo classic1 z ,i
 always said he w\ld be2 b ^? :o        
comp>e net results 9 su* cases z 8 &    
,*att]ton's      _c "k :at criticism    
means4 ,! nett results (      advanc+   
epo*s1 h[ev] p]man5t on accumulat$      
f\ndation-"w1 are ! poore/ ( all te/s z 

to relative      values4 ,oliv] 0 !     
product ( ! mo/ teem+ hot-b$s      ( art
 & lit]ature1 & ev5 ( compulsory        
addiction to      ! art ( pa9t+1 9 :i*  
nev]!less he 0 rapidly      becom+ z mu*
 a pr(ici5t z 9 lit]ature4 ,:at he      
w\ld h be5 if1 l ! ard5t & h]oic        
,*att]ton1      he _h _h to fight a     
s+le-h&$ battle = art & bread           
toge!r aga9/ m]ciless m$iocrity 9 high  
places1--:at      he w\ld !n h become1  
,i _c 9 ! lea/      calculate2 b we "k  
:at ,*att]ton became4 ,moreov]1 ,c4     
at 8 dea?1 0 two ye>s y\ng] ?an         
,oliv]--a :ole      lifetime (          
advancem5t at t age frequ5tly--inde$    
always ,i believe 9 lead+ cases4 ,!re   
are few inde$ :om      ! facile         
en?usiasm = contempor>y models does n   
dead5 to ! truly balanc$ claims (       
successful ef=ts 9      art4 ,h[ev]1    
look at ,watts's remodell$ extracts :5 !
      vol comes out1 & also at :at he   
says 9 detail z to      ,*att]ton1      
,col]idge1 & ,keats4  ,( c\rse ,rossetti

 0 "r 9 :at he said ( comp>ative        
criticism :5 br\ght to be> 9 su* cases z
 ^? ( ,*att]ton & ,oliv] ,madox ,br[n4  
,net results are c]ta9ly ! poore/ te/s (
 relative values :]e ! "w done belongs  
to p]iods ( developm5t4 ,we _c1 h[ev]1  
see or "k any man except ?r\gh & 9 8 "w1
 & net results mu/ usually be accept$ z 
! only concrete f\ndation = judg+ ( !   
quality ( 8 g5ius4 ,su* judgm5t w always
 be influ5c$1 nev]!less1 by             
consid]ations su* z ,rossetti m5tions4  
,t\*+ ,*att]ton's developm5t1 x 7 h>dly 
ra% to say t x appe>s incr$ible t !     
,african ,eclogues %\ld h be5 writt5 by 
a boy ( sev5te51 &1 9 judg+ ( _! place 9
 poetry1 "o is apt to be influ5c$ by    
"o's fir/ feel+ ( amazem5t4 ,is x       
possible t ! ,r[ley poems may owe mu* ( 
_! pres5t di/9ction to ! e>ly a/oni%m5t 
t a boy %\ld h writt5 !m1 albeit !y h   
great intr9sic excell5cies su* z may    
insure !m a high place :5 ! romance1    
int]tw9$ ) _! hi/ory1 has be5 long      
=gott58 ,b ,*att]ton is m talk$ ( ?an   

read1 & ?is has be5 s f ! fir/4 ,!      
antiques are all b unkn[n2 c]ta9 ( !    
ackn[l$g$ poems are rememb]$1 & reg>d$ z
 f]vid & vigor\s1 & _m ( ! less] pieces 
are ?\ght slight1 weak1 & valueless4 ,p 
d n measure ! poor] ?+s 9 ,*att]ton ) 8 
"t & opportunities1 or !y w\ld see only 
amaz+ /r5g? & k ( ! _w 9 all he did4 ,^?
 less] pieces 7 _m ( !m da%$ (f to answ]
 ! calls ( necessity1 to flatt] !       
egotism ( a tr\blesome fri5d1 or to wile
 away a mom5t ( vacancy4 ,c]ta9ly !y mu/
 n be set aga9/ 8 be/ ef=ts4 ,z =       
,*att]ton's life1 ! trag$y ( x is p]haps
 ! mo/ mov+ example ( :at ,col]idge     
might h t]m$ ! mat]ial pa!tic4 ,pa!tic1 
h[ev]1 z 8 life 01 & m>vell\s z 0 8     
g5ius1 ,i miss 9 him ! note ( p]sonal   
purity & maje/y ( "*4 ,i told ,rossetti 
t1 9 my view1 ,*att]ton lack$ s9c]ity1 &
 on ?is po9t he wrote3       ,i mu/     
prote/ f9ally ab\t ,*att]ton1 t he lacks
      no?+ because lack+ ! gradual gr[? 
( ! emotional      9 lit]ature :i*      
becomes evid5t 9 ,keats--/ill less its  

excess1 :i* w\ld ( c\rse h be5 prun$1 9 
,oliv]4      ,! f9e/ ( ! ,r[ley         
poems--,eclogues1 ,ballad (      ,*>ity1
 etc41 rank absolutely ) ! f9e/ poetry 9
      ! language1 & ga9 7n lose7 by     
mod]ation4 ,z to :at      y say ( ,c4's 
want ( political s9c]ity 7= ,i _c       
see to :at o!r want y c allude71 surely 
a boy up to      eighte5 may be p>don$ =
 ex]cis+ 8 faculty if he      happ5s to 
be ! "o among millions :o c use gr[n m5 
z 8 toys4 ,he 0 an absolute & unt>ni%$  
h]o1 b      = t reckless defy+ vaunt4   
,c]ta9ly t mo/      vigor\s passage     
comm5c+--            8,int]e/1 ?\       
univ]sal ,god ( m510 etc4       reads   
/>tl+ly1 & comes 9 a que/ionable %ape4  
,:at      is ! answ] to its enigmatical 
aspect8 ,:y1 t he      meant x1 & t all 
w\ld mean x at 8 age1 :o _h      8 p[]1 
8 d>+1 & 8 hung]4 ,/ill x does1         
p]haps1 make "o d\bt :e!r 8 e>ly dea? 7 
well or      ill = him4 ,9 ! matt] (    
,oliv] 7:om no "o      appreciates m ?an
 ,i d71 rememb] t x 0 impossible      to

 h m opportunities ?an he _h1 or on !   
o!r      side few] ?an ,*att]ton _h4    
,*att]ton at sev5te5 or      less said--
            8,flatt]y's a cloak1 & ,i w 
put x on40  ,blake 7probably late 9     
life7 said--            8,innoc5ce is a 
w9t] g[n40       444 ,i h read !        
,*att]ton article 9 ! review            
m5tion$4 ,if ,watts _h done x1 x w\ld h 
be5      immeasurably bett]4 ,!re seems 
to me1 :o am v well up      9 ,*att]ton1
 no po9t :atev] made 9 ! article4 ,:y   
does no "o ev] ev5 allude to ! two      
attribut$ portraits      ( ,*att]ton--"o
 belong+ to ,sir ,h4 ,taylor1 & ! o!r   
9 ! ,sal=d ,museum8 ,bo? seem to be !   
same p]son      cle>ly1 & a good f9d =  
,*att]ton1 b n conceivably      done f  
him4 ,nev]!less1 ,i suspect !re may be a
      sidelong g5u95ess 9 !m4 ,*att]ton 
0 acqua9t$ )      "o ,alcock1 a m9iature
 pa9t] at ,bri/ol1 to :om he            
address$ a poem4 ,_h ,a4 pa9t$ ,c4 x    
w\ld be among !      _m record$ facts2 b
 x w\ld be s+ul> ev5 if1 9      ,c4's   

rapid po/hum\s fame1 ,a4 _h nev] be5    
ask$ to make      a rem9isc5t lik5ess ( 
him4 ,prom su* lik5ess by !             
m9iature pa9t] ^! portraits might       
d]ive--bo? be+      life-siz$ oil heads4
 ,!re is a sav\r ( ,keats 9 !m1         
?\gh a fri5d1 tak+ up ! y\ng]-look+ ( ! 
two1      said x rem9d$ him ( ,jack     
,%epp>d6 ,& n su* a bad                 
,*att]ton-comp\nd ei!r6 ,b ,i beg9 to   
?9k ,i h said      all ?is be=e4444     
,oliv]1 or 8,nolly10 z he 0 always      
call$1 0 a sort ( spread-eagle lik5ess (
 8 h&some      fa!r1 ) a conical head l 
,walt] ,scott4 ,i mu/      confess to y1
 t1 9 ?is _w ( books1 ! only "o      ( 8
 ,i h read1 is ,gabriel ,d5v]1 aft]w>ds 
repr9t$ 9 its orig9al & sup]ior =m z ,! 
,black      ,swan1 b publi%$ ) ! =m]    
title 9 8 lifetime4  ,rossetti =m$ no   
su* philosophic e/imate ( ,*att]ton's   
contribution to ! romantic movem5t 9    
,engli% poetry z has be5 =mulat$ 9 !    
essay 9 ,w>d's ,poets4 ,a critic1 9 !   
s5se ( "o possess$ ( a natural gift (   

analysis1 ,rossetti assur$ly6 0 n4 ,no  
man's in/9ct = :at is good 9 poetry 0   
ev] swift] or sur] ?an t ( ,rossetti4 ,y
 might always di/ru/ y\r judgm5t if y   
f\nd x at v>iance ) 8 :]e ab/ract p[] & 
beauty 7 9 "q4 ,soon] or lat] y w\ld    
inevitably f9d y\rself gravitat+ to 8   
view4 ,b "h ,rossetti's function z a    
critic end$4 ,8 0 at be/ only !         
criticism ( ! creator4 ,( ! gift (      
ultimate classification he _h none1 &   
nev] claim$ to h any1 al?\gh n[ & aga9  
7z :]e he says t ,*att]ton 0 ! day-spr+ 
( mod]n romantic poetry71 he seems to   
give sign ( a p[] ( critical syn!sis4   
,rossetti's int]e/ 9 ,blake1 bo? z poet 
& pa9t]1 dates back to an e>ly p]iod ( 8
 life4 ,i h he>d him say t at sixte5 or 
sev5te5 ye>s ( age he 0 already "o (    
,blake's w>me/ admir]s1 & at ! "t 9 "q1 
#ahde1 ! au?or ( ! ,songs ( ,innoc5ce _h
 n _m read]s to uphold him4 ,ab\t f\r   
ye>s lat]1 ,rossetti made an            
exceptionally lucky discov]y1 = he !n   
f\nd 9 ! possession ( ,mr4 ,palm]1 an   

att5dant at ! ,briti% ,museum1 an       
orig9al manuscript scrap-book (         
,blake's1 conta9+ a great body (        
unpubli%$ poetry & _m int]e/+ designs1 z
 well z ?ree or f\r rem>kably effective 
pr(ile sket*es ( ! au?or himself4 ,!    
,mr4 ,palm] :o held ! little book 0 a   
relative ( ! l&scape pa9t] ( ! same "n1 
:o 0 ,blake's fri5d1 & h5ce ! au!nticity
 ( ! manuscript 0 asc]ta9able on o!r    
gr\nds ?an ! indisputable ones ( its    
int]nal evid5ces4 ,! book 0 (f]$ to     
,rossetti = t5 %ill+s1 b ! "y en?usia/ 0
 at ! "t a /ud5t ( art1 & n mu* 9 ! way 
( gett+ or sp5d+ ev5 s inconsid]able a  
sum4 ,he told me1 h[ev]1 t at ?is p]iod 
8 bro!r ,william1 :o 01 unlike himself1 
engag$ 9 "s reasonably pr(itable        
occupation1 0 at all times no?+ loa? to 
advance small sums = ! pur*ase ( su*    
lit]>y or o!r treasures z he us$ to hunt
 up out ( obscure corn]s3 by 8 help !   
,blake manuscript 0 b\ght1 & prov$ =    
ye>s a s\rce ( inf9ite pleasure & pr(it1
 result+1 z x did1 9 _m v important     

additions to ,blake lit]ature :5        
,gil*ri/'s ,life & ,works ( t au?or came
 to be publi%$4 ,x is an int]e/+ fact1  
m5tion ( :i* ought n to be omitt$1 t at 
! sale ( ,rossetti's libr>y1 :i* took   
place a little :ile aft] 8 decease1 !   
scrap-book acquir$ 9 ! way ,i describe 0
 sold = "o hundr$ & five gu9eas4  ,! sum
 0 a l>ge "o1 b ! little book 0         
und\bt$ly ! mo/ valuable lit]>y relic ( 
,blake !n extant4 ,ab\t ! "t :5 a new   
edition ( ,gil*ri/'s ,life 0 9 ! press1 
,rossetti wrote3       ,my ev5+s h be5 r
 tr5*$ ^u lately by help+      ,mrs4    
,gil*ri/ ) a new edition ( ! ,life (    
,blake4444      ,i don't "k if y g 9 mu*
 = him4 ,! new edition (      ! ,life w 
include a good numb] ( additional lett]s
      7f ,blake to ,hayley71 & "s       
addition 7?\gh n great7      to my own  
%>e 9 ! "w2 z well z mu* important      
c>ry+-on ( my bro!r's catalogue (       
,blake's works4 ,!      illu/rations w1 
,i tru/1 receive valuable additions     
also1 b publi%]s are apt to be cauti\s 9

 su*      exp5ses4 ,i am writ+ late at  
night1 to fill up a fag-end      (      
b$time1 & %all write aga9 on ?is head4  
,rossetti's 8own %>e0 9 ?is "w consi/$ (
 ! writ+ ( ! supplem5t>y *apt] 7left by 
,gil*ri/1 ) "o or two unimportant       
passages m]ely1 at ! beg9n+71 & ! edit+ 
( ! poems4 ,:5 !re arose1 subsequ5tly1  
"s idea ( my review+ ! book1 ,rossetti  
wrote me ! foll[+ lett]1 full (         
dis9t]e/$ solicitude3       ,y w be q   
delight$ ) an essay on ,blake by ,jas4  
,sme?am1 :i* occurs 9 vol ii42 x is a   
noble ?+2 &      at ! /up5d\s design    
call$ ,plague 7vol4 i474 ,i h           
extract$ a passage prop]ly belong+ to ! 
same essay1      :i* is z f9e z ,engli% 
c be1 & :i* ,i am sorry      to p]ceive 
7,i ?9k7 t ,mrs4 ,g4 has omitt$ f ! body
      ( ! essay because quot$ 9 ano!r   
place4 ,?is essay is      no less ?an a 
ma/]piece4 ,i wrote ! supplem5t>y       
*apt] 7vol4 i471 except a few op5+      
p>agraphs by      ,gil*ri/1--& 9 x h n[ 
made "s m5tion ( ,sme?am1      an old & 

de> fri5d ( m9e4       ,y w admire      
,%ields's pap] on ! wond]ful s]ies (    
,"y's ,night ,?\ghts4 ,my bro!r & ,i bo?
 help$ 9      ?is new edition1 b ,i add$
 little to :at ,i _h done      be=e4 ,i 
br\ght =w>d a port5t\s s]ies ( passages 
ab\t "o 8,sc(ield0 9 ,blake's ,j]usalem1
 b did n      o!rwise write t *apt]1    
except z reg>ds !      illu/rations4    
,h[ev]1 don't m5tion :at ,i h done 79   
case y write on ! subject7 except s f> z
 ! indices      %[ x1 & ( c\rse ,i don't
 wi% to be put =w>d at      all4 ,:at ,i
 d wi% is1 t y %\ld say ev]y?+ t      c 
be gratify+ to ,mrs4 ,g4 z to h] husb&'s
 "w4 ,!re      is a plate ( ,blake's    
,cottage by "y ,gil*ri/ :i* is          
truly excell5t4  ,z ,i h already said1  
,rossetti trav]s$ ! bypa?s ( ,engli%    
lit]ature 7p>ticul>ly ( ,engli% poetry7 
z few c ev] h trav]s$ !m4 ,a fav\rite "w
 ) him 0 ,gilfillan's ,less-,read       
,briti% ,poets1 a copy ( :i* _h be5     
pres5t$ by ,miss ,boyd4 ,he says3       
,did y ev] read ,*ri/oph] ,sm>t's ,song 

to ,david1 !      only great accompli%$ 
poem ( ! la/ c5tury8 ,!      accompli%$ 
ones are ,*att]ton's1--( c\rse ,i mean  
e>li] ?an ,blake or ,col]idge1 & )\t    
reckon+ s      exceptional a g5ius z    
,burns4444 ,y w f9d ,sm>t's poem      a 
ma/]piece ( ri* imag]y1 exhau/ive       
res\rces1 &      rev]b]ant s\nd4 ,x is  
to be met ) 9 ,gilfillan's              
,specim5s ( ! ,less-,read ,briti% ,poets
 7#c vols4 ,ni*ol1      ,ed941          
#ahfj74444       ,i rememb] y\r m5tion+ 
,gilfillan z hav+ enc\rag$      y\r fir/
 ef=ts4 ,he 0 p[]ful1 ?\gh sometimes r  
8tall0 z a writ]1 g5]ally mo/ j z a     
critic1 &      la/ly1 a mu* bett] man1  
intellectually & morally1 ?an           
,ayt\n1 :o tri$ to 8d =0 him4 ,8 notice 
( ,swift1 9      ! volume 9 "q1 has v   
great =ce & eloqu5ce4      ,8 :ole      
edition ( ! ,briti% ,poets is ! be/ (   
any      to read1 be+ su* f9e type &    
conv5i5t bulk & weight      7a great ?+ 
= an arm-*air read]74 ,un=tunately1 he  
n[ & !n 79 ! ,less-,read ,poets7 cuts   

d[n !      extracts almo/ to no?+1 & 9  
"s cases excises                        
objectionabilities1 :i* is unp>donable4 
,mu* bett] leave      ! :ole out4 ,also1
 ! edition includes ! usual array (     
nobodies--,addison1 ,ak5side1 & ! :ole  
alphabet d[n to      ,zany & ,z]o2 :]eas
 a great _m ( ! less-read w\ld      h   
be5 mu*-read by e wor?y read] if !y _h  
only      be5 pr9t$ 9 full4 ,s well     
pr9t$ an edition ( ,donne      7=       
in/ance7 w\ld h be5 a great boon2 b f   
him      ,gilfillan only gives 7among ! 
less-read7 ! admirable      ,progress ( 
! ,s\l & "s ( ! pregnant ,holy          
,sonnets4 ,d y "k ,donne8 ,!re is h>dly 
an ,engli% poet      bett] wor? a ?or\gh
 k1 9 spite ( 8 provok+      conceits & 
occasional jagg$ j>gon4       ,! foll[+ 
p>agraph on ,:itehead is valuable3      
,*>les ,:itehead's pr9cipal poem is ,!  
,solit>y1 :i*      9 its day _h admir]s4
 ,x p]haps mo/ recalls ,goldsmi?4       
,he also wrote a sup]natural poem call$ 
,ippolito4 ,!re      0 a volume ( 8     

poems publi%$ ab\t #ahdh1 or p]haps a   
little lat]1 by ,b5tley4 ,x is          
disappo9t+1 on ! :ole1      f ! decid$  
sup]iority ( its be/ po9ts to !         
re/4444 ,b ! novel ( ,ri*>d ,savage is v
      rem>kable1--a real "* really work$
 out4  ,to aid me 9 c]ta9 rese>*es ,i 0 
at ! "t engag$ 9 mak+ 9 ! back-numb]s ( 
almo/ =gott5 p]iodicals1 ,rossetti      
wrote3       ,! old ,mon?ly ,mag4 0 !   
precursor ( ! ,new      ,mon?ly1 :i*    
/>t$ ab\t #ahcj1 or !reab\ts ,i ?9k1    
aft] :i* ! old "o ail$1 b w5t on till   
fatal old      ,h]aud f9i%$ x (f by     
edit+ x1 & fairly massacr$      t eld]ly
 innoc5t4 ,y speak1 9 a =m] lett]       
7t\*+ ! cont9uation ( ,*ri/abel71 ( 8a  
c]ta9      ,european magaz9e40 ,are y   
aw>e t x 0 z old a ?+      z ,!         
,g5tleman's1 & w5t on ad inf9itum8 ,o!r 
su*      7 ! ,univ]sal ,magaz9e1 !      
,scots' ,magaz9e--all      endless 9    
ext5t & beg9n+ "t out ( m9d1--to say    
no?+ ( ! ,ladies' ,magaz9e & ,wits'     
,magaz9e4 ,!n      !re 0 ! ,annual      

,regi/]4 ,all ^! are qu>t]s 9      :i* y
 might prosecute rese>*es1 & might happ5
 to      f9d some?+ ab\t ,keats4 ,!     
,mon?ly ,magaz9e mu/ h      comm5c$     
almo/ z e>ly1 ,i believe4 ,i _c help    
?9k+      !re 0 a simil> ,imp]ial       
,magaz9e4  ,! foll[+ lett] possesses an 
int]e/ indep5d5t ( its subject1 :i* to  
me1 h[ev]1 is int]e/ en\gh4 ,mr4        
,william ,watson _h s5t ,rossetti a copy
 ( a volume ( poems he _h j publi%$1 &  
_h receiv$ a lett] 9 ackn[l$gm5t1 :]e9  
our fri5d1 ) *>act]i/ic appreciativ5ess1
 said _m cordial words ( x3       ,y\r  
"y fri5d ,watson he said 9 a subsequ5t  
lett]      wrote me 9 a v mode/ mood =  
"o :o c d z he c      at 8 age4 ,i ?9k  
,i mu/ h hurri$ly mis-express$          
myself 9 writ+ to him1 z he seems to ?9k
 ,i wi%$ to      dissuade him f foll[+  
n>rative poetry4 ,n 9 !      lea/--,i   
only wi%$ him to try 8 h& at cle>]      
dramatic      life4 ,! dreamy romantic  
really h>dly ne$s m ?an "o      va/     
,morris 9 a lit]ature--at any rate 9 a  

c5tury4 ,n      t ,i ?9k him d]ivable f 
,morris--he goes /raight      back to   
,keats ) a little modification4 ,!      
n>rative1      :e!r cond5s$ or develop$1
 is at any rate a f> bett]              
imp]sonal =m to "w 9 ?an declamatory    
h>angue1      :e!r call+ on ! />s or !  
,/yx4 ,i don't "k 9      ! lea/ h[      
,watson is f>+ ) ! critics4 ,he mu/ n   
be disc\rag$1 9 any case1 ) 8 real &    
high gifts4  ,! "y poet1 9 :om ,rossetti
 saw s mu* to applaud1 c sc>cely be said
 to h f>$ at all at ! h&s ( ! critics4  
,"h is a pleasant piece ( lit]>y        
portraiture1 z valuable f ! peep x af=ds
 into ,rossetti's own "* z f !          
description x gives ( ! ru/ic poet3     
,! o!r ev5+ ,i _h ! pleasant exp]i5ce ( 
meet+      "o to :om ,i h = ab\t two    
ye>s look$ ) int]e/      z a poet ( !   
native ru/ic k9d1 b (t5 ( q a           
sup]ior ord]4 ,i don't "k if y notic$1  
some:]e ab\t      ! date ref]r$ to1 9 ,!
 ,a!num1 a review ( poems      by       
,joseph ,skipsey4 ,skip-sey has         

exquisite--?\gh1 z 9 all      su* cases 
7except ( c\rse ,burns's7 n equal--p[]s 
9      sev]al directions1 b 8 pictures (
 humble life are !      be/4 ,he is a   
work+ m9]1 & describes ru/ic loves &    
sports1 & ! p]ils & pa?os ( pit-life )  
great      *>m1 hav+ a quiet hum\r too  
:5 ne$$4 ,8 m      ambiti\s pieces h    
solid m]it ( feel+1 b are mu*      less 
arti/ic4 ,! o!r night1 z ,i say1 he came
 "h1 &      ,i f\nd him a /alw>t son (  
toil1 & e in* a      g5tleman4 ,9 ca/ ( 
face he recalls ,t5nyson some:at1       
?\gh m bronz$ & brawn$4 ,he is z sweet &
 g5tle      z a woman 9 mann]1 & recit$ 
"s beautiful ?+s (      8 own ) a       
special fre%ness to :i* "o is q         
unaccu/om$4  ,mr4 ,skipsey 0 a m9] (    
,nor? ,%ields1 & 9 ! review ref]r$ to   
mu* 0 made1 9 a delicate way1 ( 8 /]n   
environm5ts4 ,8 volume ( lyrics is m>k$ 
by ! quiet hum\r4 ,rossetti speaks (1 z 
well z by a r exasp]at+ inequality4     
,p]haps ! be/ piece 9 x is a poem       
entitl$ ,?i/le & ,nettle1 treat+ )      

peculi> fre%ness ( a c\ntry c\rt%ip4 ,! 
com+ toge!r ( two su* entirely opposite 
natures 0 c]ta9ly curi\s1 & only to be  
acc\nt$ = on ! gr\nd ( ,rossetti's      
bread? ( poetic sympa?y4 ,x w\ld be     
int]e/+ to he> :at ! impressions 7 ( su*
 a rude son ( toil ^u meet+ ) "o ^: life
 mu/ h seem$ ! inc>nation ( arti/ic     
luxury & indulg5ce4 ,lat] on ,i receiv$ 
! foll[+3       ,poor ,skipsey6 ,he has 
lo/ ! fri5d :o br\ght him to            
,london only ! o!r day 7,t4 ,dixon71 &  
:o 0 8 only      hold on intellectual   
life 9 8 di/rict4 ,dixon di$            
imm$iately on 8 return to ! ,nor?1 ( a  
viol5t attack      ( a/hma to :i* he 0  
subject4 ,he 0 a r>ely pure &           
simple s\l1 & is d\btless gone to high] 
uses1 ?\gh      few c\ld h rea*$1 ) 8   
small opportunities1 to      su*        
usefulness z he compass$ "h4 ,he 0      
,rusk9's      correspond5t 9 a little   
book call$ 7,i ?9k7 ,"w by      ,tyne & 
,we>4 ,i got a v t\*+ note f ,skipsey on
      ! subject4  ,f ,mr4 ,skipsey he   

receiv$ a lett] only a little :ile be=e 
8 dea?1 & to him he address$ "o ( ! la/ 
epi/les he p5n$4  ,! foll[+ lett]       
expla9s itself1 & is introduc$ z mu* = !
 sake ( ! real hum\r :i* x displays1 z  
because x af=ds an excell5t idea (      
,rossetti's view ( ! true function (    
prose3       ,i don't l y\r ,%akspe>e   
article q z well z !      fir/          
,sup]natural "o1 or r ,i %\ld say x does
 n      greatly add to x 9 my 7fir/7    
view1 ?\gh bo? might ga9      by        
embodim5t 9 "o4 ,i ?9k !re is "s tru? 9 
!      *>ge ( metaphysical involution--!
 ,g]man elem5t z ,i      %\ld call x--& 
surely y are /rong en\gh to be          
,engli% pure & simple4 ,i am sure ,i    
c\ld write #ajj essays1      on all     
possible subjects 7,i once did project a
 s]ies "u      ! title1 ,essays writt5 9
 ! int]vals (      ,elephantiasis1      
,hydro-phobia1 & ,p5al ,s]vitude71 )\t  
once exp]i5c+ ! 8a*+ void0 :i* is fill$ 
by su*      words z 8my?opoeic10 &      
8an?ropomorphism40 ,i d n f9d      life 

long en\gh to "k 9 ! lea/ :at !y mean4  
,!y      are bo? v long & v ugly        
inde$--! latt] only      sugge/+ to me a
 ,vampire or ,somnambulant ,cannibal4   
7,to      speak rationally1 w\ld n      
8man-evolv$ ,godhead0 be an      ,engli%
 equival5t87 8,euhem]i/ic0 also f\nd me 
some:at      on my beam-ends1 ?\gh      
explanation is "h giv52 yet ,i      felt
 ,i c\ld d )\t ,euhem]us2 & y p]haps )\t
      ! hum]\s4 ,y c p>don me n[2 = s   
bad a pun      places me at y\r m]cy    
inde$4 ,b s]i\sly1 simple      ,engli% 9
 prose writ+ & 9 all n>rative poetry    
7h[ev] monum5tal language may become 9  
ab/ract v]se7      seems to me a        
treasure n to be =egone 9 fav\r (       
,g]man innovations4 ,i "k ,col]idge w5t 
9 latt]ly = z      mu* ,g]manism z 8 "t 
c\ld ma/]2 b 8 be/ g5ius      _h !n left
 him4  ,x seems necess>y to m5tion t ,i 
lectur$ 9 #ahhj1 on ! relation (        
politics to art1 & 9 pr9t+ ! lecture ,i 
ask$ ,rossetti to accept ! d$ication (  
x1 b ?is he decl9$ to d 9 ! g5]\s t]ms  

,i h already ref]r$ to4 ,! lett] t      
accompani$ 8 graceful refusal is1 h[ev]1
 s full ( int]e/+ p]sonal matt] t ,i (f]
 x 9 ?is place1 ) no fur!r explanation  
?an t my essay 0 design$ to %[ t j z    
great arti/s 9 pa/ ages _h p>ticipat$ 9 
political /ruggles1 s n[ !y %\ld n hold 
!mselves alo( f controv]sies :i*        
imm$iately conc]n !m3       ,i mu/      
admit1 at all haz>ds1 t my fri5ds "h    
consid]      me exceptionally av]se to  
politics2 & ,i suppose ,i mu/      be1 =
 ,i nev] read a p>liam5t>y debate 9 my  
life6 ,at      ! same "t ,i w add t1    
among ^? ^: op9ions ,i      mo/ value1  
"s ?9k me n altoge!r wrong :5 ,i        
v5ture to speak ( ! mom5t>y mom5t\sness 
& et]nal      futility ( _m noisie/     
que/ions4 ,h[ev]1 y mu/      simply view
 me z a non5tity 9 any practical        
relation to      su* matt]s4 ,y h spok5 
b too g5]\sly ( a sonnet      ( m9e 9   
y\r lecture j receiv$4 ,i h writt5 a few
      o!rs ( ! sort 7:i* by-!-bye w\ld n
 prove me a      ,tory71 b felt no      

vocation--p]haps no "r---to pr9t        
!m4 ,i h always reproa*$ myself z sorely
 am5able to      ! condemnations ( a v  
f9e poem by ,b>b]9o1 ,on      ,slo?     
aga9/ ,s91 :i* ,i translat$ 9 ! ,dante  
volume4      ,slo?1 alas6 has b too mu* 
to answ] = ) me2 & is      "o ( !       
reasons 7?\gh ,i w n say ! only "o71 :y 
,i h always fall5 back on quality in/ead
 ( quantity 9      ! little ,i h ev]    
done4 ,i ?9k (t5 ) ,col]idge3           
,slo? jaundic$ all3 & f my graspless h& 
,drop fri5d%ip's preci\s pe>ls l        
h\r-glass s&4           ,i weep1 yet    
/oop n3 ! fa9t angui% fl[s1           ,a
 dreamy pang 9 morn+'s fev]i% doze4     
,h[ev]1 = all ,i might desire 9 !       
direction spok5 (1      volition is va9 
)\t vocation2 & ,i _h bett] really      
/ick to kn[+ h[ to mix v]milion &       
ultram>9e = a      fle%-grey1 & h[ to   
manage _! equival5ts 9 v]se4 ,to        
speak )\t sp>+ myself1--my m9d is a     
*ildi% "o1 if      to be isolat$ 9 ,art 
is *ild's-play2 at any rate ,i feel     

t ,i d n atta9 to ! m active & practical
 ( !      m5tal functions ( manhood4 ,i 
c say ?is to y1 because      ,i "k y w  
make ! be/ & n ! wor/ ( me2 &      bett]
 ?an su* feasible be/ ,i d n wi% to     
appe>4 ,?us      y see ,i don't ?9k my  
"n ought to head y\r      introductory  
p>agraph--& !re an end4 ,& n[ ( y\r     
new lecture1 & ( ! long lett] ,i lately 
_h f y4      ,at "s mom5t ,i %\ld l to  
"k :i* pieces among !      translations 
are specially y\r fav\rites4 ,( ! ?ree  
names y lea% toge!r z some:at ^? (      
s5suali/s1      ,cecco ,angioli]i is    
really ! only "o--z = !      respectable
 ,c9o1 he w\ld be %ock$ inde$1 ?\gh     
c]ta9ly !re are a few oddities be>+ t   
way 9 !      sonnets betwe5 him & ,dante
 7:o is aga9 simil>ly      reproa*$ by 8
 fri5d ,cavalcanti71 b ,i really d      
suspect t 9 "s cases simil> to ! "o 9 "q
      ab\t ,c9o 7?\gh n ,guido & ,dante7
 politics 7 really      meant :]e love 0
 us$ z a metaphor4444 ,i assure y1      
y _c say too mu* to me ( ?is or any o!r 

"w (      y\rs2 9 fact1 ,i wi% t we %\ld
 communicate ab\t      !m4 ,i h be5 ?9k+
 yet m on ! relations (      politics & 
art4 ,i d ?9k s]i\sly on consid]ation t 
n only my own sluggi%ness1 b vital fact 
itself1 mu/      set to a great ext5t a 
veto aga9/ ! absolute      p>ticipation 
( arti/s 9 politics4 ,:5 has x ev] be5  
effect$8 ,true1 ,cell9i 0 a bravo &     
,david a good deal      l a murd]]1 & 9 
^! capacities !y 7 n      )\t _!        
political use 9 v turbul5t times4 ,b    
:5 ! attempt 0 made to turn ,mi*ael     
,angelo into a      8utility man0 ( t   
k9d1 he did 7x is true7 "s              
patriotic duty 9 ! =tification (        
,flor5ce2 b x is      no less a fact t1 
:5 he _h done all t he ?\ght      became
 him1 he retir$ to a c]ta9 trackless &  
=gott5      t[]1 & !re /ay$ 9 "s sort ( 
peace 7?\gh mu*      9 reque/7 till he  
c\ld lead 8 own life aga92 nor      %\ld
 we =get ! occasion on :i* he did n     
hesitate      ev5 to betake himself to  
,v5ice z a refuge4 ,yet ,m4 ,angelo     

0 9 e way a patriot1 a philosoph]1 & a  
h]o4 ,i d      n say ?is to und]value ! 
scope ( y\r !ory4 ,i ?9k                
possibilities are g5]ally s mu* beh9d   
desirabilities      t !re is no h>m 9   
any degree ( incitem5t 9 !      "r      
direction2 & t is assur$ly m5tal        
activity (      all k9ds4 ,i judge y _c 
suspect me ( ?9k+ !      apo!osis ( !   
e>ly ,italian poets 7?\gh surely        
spiritual beauty1 & n s5suality1 0 _!   
g5]al aim7      ( m importance ?an !    
8unity ( a great nation40 ,b      x is 9
 my m9ute p[] to deal successfully 7,i  
feel7 )      ! "o1 :ile no su* entity1 z
 ,i am1 c advance or      ret>d ! o!r2 &
 ?us m9e mu/ ne$s be ! poor]      "p4   
,nor 7) alas1 & aga9 alas67 w ,italy or 
ano!r      twice h h] day 9 its fulness4
  ,i happ5$ to h said 9 speak+ (        
self-indulg5ce among arti/s1 t !re      
probably exi/$ ^? to :om x seem$ m      
important to pres]ve su* a pitiful      
possession z ! poetical rema9s ( ,cecco 
,angioli]i ?an to secure ! unity ( a    

great nation4 ,rossetti half suspect$ ,i
 meant ?is = a playful backh&$ bl[ at   
himself 7= ,cecco 0 a great fav\rite )  
him71 & prote/$ t no su* individual c\ld
 exi/4 ,i def5d$ my *>ge by quot+       
,keats's--             444 ! silv] fl[  
,( ,h]o's te>s1 ! swoon ( ,imog51       
,fair ,pa/orella 9 ! b&it's d51         
,are ?+s to brood on ) m ard5cy         
,?an ! dea?-day ( empires4  ,b ,rossetti
 grew we>y ( ! je/3       ,i mu/ prote/ 
t :at y quote f ,keats ab\t 8,h]o's     
te>s10 etc41 fails to meet ! text4      
,nei!r ,%akspe>e nor      ,sp5s]        
assur$ly 0 a ,cecco2 ,m>l[e may be mo/  
meant z      to 8,h]o10 & he p]haps     
af=ds ! %ad[ ( a p>allel      9 c>e]    
?\gh n 9 "w4  ,! extract f ,rosetti's   
lett]s ) :i* ,i %all close ?is *apt] is 
p]haps ! mo/ int]e/+ yet made3       ,"o
 po9t ,i mu/ /ill raise1 viz41 t ,i1 =  
"o1 _c      conceive1 ev5 z ! ,gho/ ( a 
,flea1 ! ideal individual      :o       
consid]s ! ,poetical ,rema9s ( ,cecco   
,angioli]i (      m importance ?an !    

unity ( a great nation6 ,i ?9k      ?is 
w\ld h be5 bett] if mu* modifi$4 ,say = 
in/ance--8,a ?+ ( "s mom5t ev5 :ile !   
conte/ is      wag+ = ! political unity 
( a great nation40 ,?is is      ! utmo/ 
rea* surely ( human comp>ative          
valuation4 ,i      ?9k y h br\ght 9     
,b5v5uto & ,mi*ael mu* to !             
purpose4 ,%all ,i give y a p>allel 9 y\r
 own /yle8       ,dur+ ! mon?s = :i*    
poet ,col]idge became private           
,cumb]back 7a "n 9 :i* he said 8 horse  
w\ld h      concurr$71 x seems /range t1
 9 su* /irr+ times1      8 regim5t %\ld 
n h be5 ord]$ (f on =eign      s]vice4  
,9 su* case t pre-em95t memb] ( ! awkw>d
      squad w\ld assur$ly h be5 ! v fir/
 man kill$4      ,%\ld we h be5 m !     
ga9]s by 8 patriotism or      ! los]s by
 8 poetry8 ,! v la/ man kill$ 9 !       
la/ sortie f ,p>is dur+ ! ,prussian     
siege 7he      w\ld g beh9d a buttress  
to 8pot0 a ,prussian aft]      ord]s 7  
giv5 to retire1 & s got 8pott$0 himself7
      0 ,h5ri ,regnault1 a pa9t]1 ^:    

brilliant "w 0 a      guid+ beacon on ! 
road ( improvem5t 9 ,fr5* me?ods      ( 
art1 if n 9 intellectual =ce4 ,:o %all  
fail to      hon\r ! noble ard\r :i*    
drew him f ! security (      8 /udies 9 
,tunis to p>take 8 c\ntry's dang]8 ,yet 
:o %all =be> to sigh 9 ?9k+ t1 b = ?is1 
8 progress+ "w might /ill ye>ly be an   
elem5t 9      art-progress = ,europe8   
,grome & o!rs betook !mselves      to   
,engl& in/ead1 & are /ill b5efit+ !     
cause =      :i* !y 7 be=e all ?+s born4
 ,x 0 ,david :o      said1 8,si on      
tirait  mitraille sur les arti/es1 on   
n'y      tu]ait pas un seul patriote60  
,he 0 a patriot homicide1      & spoke  
probably :at 0 true 9 ! s5se 9 :i* he   
meant x4 ,z ,i said1 ,i am glad y turn$ 
,b5 & ,mike to      acc\nt1 b ! above is
 9 "s respects an op5 "q4  ,i h1 z ,i   
say1 a fur!r bat* ( lett]s to introduce1
 b z ^! 71 = ! mo/ "p1 writt5 aft] an   
ev5t :i* =ms a l&-m>k 9 our acqua9tance 
7,i mean ! occasion ( our fir/ meet+71  
,i judge x is be/ to res]ve !m = a lat] 

section ( ?is book4 ,!re are two =ms1 &1
 s f> z ,i "k1 two only1 9 :i* a body ( 
lett]s c be publi%$ ) ju/ice to ! writ]4
 ,( ^! ! fir/ & mo/ obvi\s =m is to (f] 
!m *ronologically 9 ext5so or ) only su*
 elim9ations z seem inevitable1 & !     
second is to tabulate !m accord+ to     
subject-matt]1 & pr9t !m 9 ! ord] n (   
date b sub/ance4 ,!re are advantages    
att5d+ ea* me?od1 & correspond+         
disadvantages also4 ,! temptation to    
adopt ! fir/ ( ^! 01 9 ?is case (       
,rossetti's lett]s1 almo/ insurm\ntable1
 = no?+ c be m *>m+ 9 epi/ol>y /yle ?an 
! easy grace ) :i* ! writ] passes f po9t
 to po9t1 evolv+ "o idea out ( ano!r1   
int]l9k+ subject ) subject1 & build+ up 
a fabric ( :i* ! mean+ is ev]y:]e       
inwov54 ,9 ?is respect ,rossetti's      
lett]s are almo/ z p]fect z any?+ t ev] 
left 8 h&2 &1 9 fre$om ( phrase1 9 p[] (
 ?r[+ (f p>5!tical reflections always   
faultlessly enunciat$1 9 play ( hum\r1  
(t5 9 eloqu5ce 7nev] becom+ declamatory1
 & call+ on 8,/yx or ,/>s071 sometimes 9

 pa?os1 ,rossetti's lett]s are1 9 a ^w1 
admirable4 ,!y are comp>able 9 ^!       
respects ) ! be/ ?+s yet done 9         
,engli%1--z pleas+ & graceful z ,c[p]'s 
lett]s1 broad] 9 range ( subject ?an !  
lett]s ( ,keats1 easi] & m colloquial   
?an ^? ( ,col]idge1 & ) less appe>ance (
 be+ int5d$ = ! public eye ?an is ! case
 ) ! lett]s ( ,byron & ( ,%elley4       
,rossetti's lett]s h1 moreov]1 a value q
 ap>t f ! m]its ( _! epi/ol>y /yle1 9 s 
f> z !y conta9 almo/ ! only expression  
extant ( 8 op9ions on lit]>y que/ions4  
,& ?is is ! circum/ance t has *iefly    
weigh$ ) me to (f] !m 9 fragm5t>y =m    
int]sp]s$ ) elucidatory comm5t be>+     
pr9cipally ^u ! occasions t call$ !m =?4
  ,su* !n z ,i h describ$ 0 ! nature (  
my int]c\rse ) ,rossetti dur+ ! fir/ ye>
 & a half ( our correspond5ce1 & n[ ! "t
 _h come :5 ,i 0 to meet my fri5d = !   
fir/ "t face to face4 ,! ela/icity (    
sympa?y by :i* a man ( g5ius1 surr\nd$  
by con/ant fri5ds1 c\ld yet b5d to a    
new-com] :o 0 a /rang] & tw5ty-five ye>s

 8 junior1 & ?9k & feel ) him2 ! g5]\s  
appreciativ5ess by :i* he c\ld br+      
himself to consid] ! fir/ ef=ts ( "o q  
unkn[n2 & !n ! unselfi%ness t seem$     
always to pref] ! claims ( o!rs to 8 own
 great claims1 c\ld comm& only ! return 
( unqualifi$ allegiance4 ,su* 7 ! feel+s
 ) :i* ,i w5t =? to my fir/ meet+ )     
,rossetti1 & if at any lat] date1 !     
ard\r ( my reg>d = him 9 any measure    
suff]$ modification1 be sure :5 ! "t    
comes to t\* ^u x ,i %all make no m     
concealm5t ( ! causes t l$ to su* a     
*ange ?an ,i h made ( ^? circum/ances1  
h[ev] p]sonal 9 prim>y int]e/1 t g5]at$ 
a fri5d%ip s unusual & to me s s]i\s &  
important4     ,,*apt] ,,vii4  ,x 0 9 ! 
autumn ( #ahhj t ,i saw ,rossetti = !   
fir/ "t4 ,be+ !n r r$uc$ 9 heal? ,i     
contemplat$ a visit to ! sea-side &     
wrote say+ t 9 pass+ ?r\gh ,london ,i   
%\ld avail myself ( 8 (t-repeat$        
invitation to visit him4 ,i gave him ?is
 w>n+ ( my int5tion1 rememb]+ 8 decl>$  
dread ( be+ tak5 unaw>es1 b ,i came to  

"k at a subsequ5t p]iod t = "o :o 0 )9 !
 inn] circle ( 8 fri5ds ! necessity to  
advise him ( a visit 0 by no means b9d+4
 ,8 reception ( my intimation ( an      
int5tion to call ^u him 0 receiv$ ) an  
am\nt ( epi/ol>y c]emony :i* ,i         
recognise n[ by ! light ( fur!r         
acqua9tance z em95tly *>act]i/ic ( !    
man1 al?\gh curi\sly contradictory ( 8  
unc]emoni\s habits ( daily life4 ,! fact
 is t ,rossetti 0 ( an excessively n]v\s
 temp]am5t1 & r>ely if ev] und]w5t an   
ordeal m try+ ?an a fir/ meet+ ) any "o 
to :om = "s "t previ\sly he _h look$    
=w>d ) int]e/4 ,h5ce by return ( ! po/ t
 bore him my missive came two lett]s1 ! 
"o obvi\sly writt5 & po/$ )9 an h\r or  
two ( ! o!r4 ,9 ! fir/ ( ^! he express$ 
c\rte\sly 8 pleasure at ! prospect (    
see+ me1 & appo9t$ #h4cj p4m4 ! foll[+  
ev5+ z 8 d9n] h\r at 8 h\se 9 ,*eyne    
,walk4 ,! second lett] begg$ me to come 
at #e4cj or #f p4m41 s t we might h a   
long ev5+4 8,y w1 ,i repeat10 he says1  
8recognise ! hole-&-corn]e/ ( all       

exi/5ces 9 ?is big b>n ( m9e2 b come    
e>ly & ,i %all read y "s ballads1 & we c
 talk ( _m ?+s40 ,an h\r lat] ?an !     
arrival ( ^! lett]s came a ?ird epi/le1 
:i* ran3 8,( c\rse :5 ,i speak ( y\r d9+
 ) me1 ,i mean tte--tte & )\t c]emony ( 
any k9d4 ,i usually d9e 9 my /udio & 9  
my pa9t+ coat60 ,i _h be=e me a five    
h\rs' j\rney to ,london1 s t 9 ord] to  
rea* ,*elsea at #f ,p4,m41 ,i mu/ ne$s  
set out at mid-day1 b oblivi\s ( ?is    
necessity1 ,rossetti _h actually po/$ a 
f\r? lett] on ! morn+ ( ! day on :i* we 
7 to meet begg+ me n on any acc\nt to   
talk1 9 ! c\rse ( our int]view1 ( a     
c]ta9 p]sonal matt] ^u :i* we _h        
correspond$4 ,?is f\r? & f9al message   
came to h& ! morn+ aft] ! meet+1 :5 ,i  
_h ! satisfaction to reflect t 7ow+ m   
p]haps to ! ple?ora ( o!r subjects (    
int]e/ ?an to any suspicion ( its be+   
taboo$7 ,i _h luckily es*ew$ ! proscrib$
 topic4  ,*eyne ,walk 0 unkn[n to me at 
! "t 9 "q1 except z ! locality 9 & ne>  
:i* _m m5 & wom5 em95t 9 lit]ature      

resid$4 ,x seems h>d to realise t ?is 0 
! case z rec5tly z two ye>s ago1 n[ t s 
%ort an int]val has associat$ x 9 "o's  
m9d ) memories :i* seem to cov] a l>ge  
"p ( "o's life4 ,! ,walk is n n[ exactly
 z picturesque z x appe>s 9 c]ta9       
famili> old engrav+s2 ! new embankm5t & 
! g>d5s t sep>ate x f ! ma9 ?or\ghf>e h 
tak5 some?+ f its beauty1 b x /ill      
possesses _m attractions1 & among !m a  
look ( age :i* contra/s agreeably ) !   
spic-&-span newness ( neighb\r+ places4 
,i f\nd ,rossetti's h\se1 ,no4 #af1     
answ]+ 9 ext]nal appe>ances to ! frank  
description he gave ( x4 ,x /&s ab\t    
mid-way betwe5 ! ,*elsea pi] & ! new    
r$brick mansions erect$ on ! ,*elsea    
embankm5t4 ,x seems to be ! olde/ h\se 9
 ! ,walk1 & ! exceptional proportions ( 
its gate-pi]s1 & ! weight & mass ( its  
gate & rail+s1 sugge/s t probably at "s 
p]iod x /ood alone1 & comm&$ z gr\nds a 
l>ge "p ( ! space n[ occupi$ by ! adjo9+
 resid5ces4 ,beh9d ! h\se1 dur+ eighte5 
ye>s ( ,rossetti's occupancy1 !re 0 a   

g>d5 ( almo/ an acre 9 ext5t1 cov]+ by  
mu* ! l>g] "p ( ! space enclos$ by a    
block ( f\r /reets =m+ a squ>e4 ,at ,no4
 #d ,maclise _h liv$ & di$2 at ! same   
h\se ,george ,eliot1 aft] h] m>riage )  
,mr4 ,cross1 _h come to live2 at ,no4   
#e1 9 ! second /reet to ! we/w>d1 ,?omas
 ,c>lyle 0 /ill liv+1 & a little beyond 
,*eyne ,r[ /ood ! mode/ cottage :]e9    
,turn] di$4 ,rossetti's h\se _h to me ! 
appe>ance ( a pla9 ,que5 ,anne erection1
 mu* mutilat$ by ! introduction (       
unsightly bay-w9d[s2 ! brickwork seem$  
to be fall+ into decay2 ! pa9t to be 9  
s]i\s ne$ ( r5ewal2 ! w9d[s to be dull )
 ! accumulation ( ! du/ ( ye>s2 ! sills 
to be> ! suspicion ( cobwebs2 ! angles (
 ! /eps & ! untrodd5 flags ( ! c\rty>d  
to be "h & !re ov]gr[n ) moss & we$s2 & 
r\nd ! walls & up ! reveals ( doors &   
w9d[s 7 creep+ ! tangl$ bran*es ( !     
wilde/ ivy t ev] grew unt\*$ by %e>s4   
,su* 0 ! ext]ior ( ! home ( ! poet-pa9t]
 :5 ,i walk$ up to x on ! autumn ev5+ ( 
my fir/ visit1 & ! int]ior ( ! h\se 0 at

 once l & unlike ! ext]ior4 ,! hall _h a
 puzzl+ look ( equal nobility &         
%abb9ess4 ,! floor 0 pav$ ) beautiful   
:ite m>ble1 :i* h[ev]1 0 p>tly cov]$ ) a
 /rip ( worn cocoa-nut matt+2 ! ceil+ 0 
9 "o ( its sections gracefully gro9$1 & 
9 ea* ( ! walls1 :i* 7 l(ty1 !re 0 an   
ar*$ recess conta9+ a piece ( sculpture2
 an old inlaid rosewood clock fill$ a   
bulkhead on "o side fac+ ! door1 & on ! 
correspond+ side /ood a massive gas     
bran*4 ,a mezzot9t li?ograph by ,legros 
0 ! only pictorial decoration ( ! walls1
 :i* 7 pla91 & seem$ n to h be5 di/emp]$
 = _m ye>s4 ,?ree doors l$ out ( ! hall1
 "o at ea* side1 & "o 9 front1 & two    
corridors op5$ into x1 b !re 0 no sign (
 /aircase1 nor _h x any light except su*
 z 0 borr[$ f ! fanlight t look$ into ! 
por*4 ,^! facts ,i not$ 9 ! few m9utes  
,i /ood wait+ 9 ! hall1 b dur+ ! _m     
mon?s 9 :i* subsequ5tly t h\se 0 my own 
home z well z ,rossetti's1 ,i came to   
see t ! *anges :i* ! build+ mu/ h       
und]gone s9ce ! p]iod ( its erection1 _h

 s fill$ x ) crooks & corn]s z to       
bewild] ! mo/ +5i\s obs]v] to acc\nt =  
its peculi>ities4  ,v soon ,rossetti    
came to me ?r\gh ! doorway 9 front1 :i* 
prov$ to be ! entrance to 8 /udio4      
,hold+ =? bo? h&s & cry+ #8,hulloa1' he 
gave me t *e]y1 he>ty greet+ :i* ,i came
 to recognise z 8 alone1 p]haps1 9 w>m? 
& unfail+ g5iality among all ! m5 ( our 
circle4 ,x 0 ,italian 9 its spontaneity1
 & yet x 0 ,engli% 9 its manly res]ve1 &
 ,i rememb] ) mu* t5d]ness ( feel+ t    
nev] to ! la/ 7n ev5 :5 sickness sadd5$ 
him1 or aft] an abs5ce ( a few days or  
ev5 h\rs7 did x fail him :5 meet+ ) ^?  
fri5ds to :om to ! la/ he 0 really      
atta*$4 ,lead+ ! way into ! /udio1 he   
introduc$ me to 8 bro!r1 :o 0 !re ^u "o 
( ! ev5+ visits1 :i* at int]vals ( a    
week he 0 at t "t mak+1 ) unfail+       
regul>ity4 ,i %\ld h describ$ ,rossetti1
 at ?is "t1 z a man :o look$ q t5 ye>s  
old] ?an 8 actual age1 :i* 0 fifty-two1 
( full middle height & incl9+ to        
corpul5ce1 ) a r\nd face t ought1 "o    

?\ght1 to be ruddy b 0 pale1 l>ge grey  
eyes ) a /eady introspect+ look1        
surm\nt$ by broad protrusive br[s & a   
cle>ly-p5cill$ ridge ov] ! nose1 :i* 0  
well cut & _h l>ge brea?+ no/rils4 ,!   
m\? & *9 7 hidd5 b5ea? a heavy m\/a*e & 
abundant be>d1 :i* grew up to ! e>s1 &  
_h be5 ( a mix$ black-br[n & auburn1 & 7
 n[ /reak$ ) grey4 ,! =ehead 0 l>ge1    
r\nd1 )\t protub]ances1 & v g5tly rec$+ 
to :]e ?9 black curls1 t _h once be5    
r$undant1 began to tumble d[n to ! e>s4 
,! entire configuration ( ! head & face 
seem$ to me s+ul>ly noble1 & f ! eyes   
upw>ds1 full ( beauty4 ,he wore a pair (
 spectacles1 &1 9 read+1 a second pair  
ov] ! fir/3 b ^! took little f ! s5se ( 
p[] convey$ by ^? /eady eyes1 & t 8b> ( 
,mi*ael ,angelo40 ,8 dress 0 n          
conspicu\s1 be+ h[ev] r neglig5t ?an    
o!rwise1 & noticeable1 if at all1 only =
 a /raight sack-coat button$ at ! ?roat1
 desc5d+ at lea/ to ! knees1 & hav+ l>ge
 pockets cut into x p]p5dicul>ly at !   
sides4 ,?is g>m5t 01 ,i aft]w>ds f\nd1  

"o ( ! articles ( v>i\s k9ds made to !  
au?or's own design4 ,:5 he spoke1 ev5 9 
ex*ang+ ! prelim9>y c\rtesies ( an op5+ 
conv]sation1 ,i ?\ght 8 voice ! ri*e/ ,i
 _h ev] kn[n any "o to possess4 ,x 0 a  
full deep b>ytone1 capable ( easy       
modulation1 & ) und]tones ( inf9ite     
s(tness & sweetness1 yet1 z ,i aft]w>ds 
f\nd1 ) almo/ illimitable compass1 & ) e
 gradation ( tone at comm&1 = !         
recitation or read+ ( poetry4 ,! /udio 0
 a l>ge room probably measur+ ?irty feet
 by tw5ty1 & /ructurally z puzzl+ z !   
o!r p>ts ( ! h\se4 ,a s]ies ( columns & 
ar*es on "o side sugge/$ t ! room _h    
almo/ c]ta9ly be5 at "s p]iod ! site (  
an important /aircase ) a wide well1 &  
on ! o!r side a broad mullion$ w9d[     
rea*+ to ! ceil+1 seem$ c]ta9ly to be>  
record ( ! occupant's own contribution  
to ! peculi>ities ( ! edifice4 ,!       
fireplace 0 at an end ( ! room1 & ov] & 
at ea* side ( x 7 hung a numb] ( f9e    
draw+s 9 *alk1 *iefly /udies ( heads1 ) 
"h & !re a wat]-col\r figure piece1 all 

f ,rossetti's h&4 ,at ! opposite end ( !
 room hung "s symbolic designs 9 *alk1  
,p&ora & ,pros]p9a be+ among ! numb]1 & 
easels ( v>i\s sizes1 "s v l>ge1 be>+   
pictures 9 diff]+ /ages ( completion1   
occupi$ positions on all sides ( !      
floor1 leav+ room only = a s(a1 ) a     
bookcase beh9d1 two old cab9ets1 two    
l>ge l[ easy *airs1 & a writ+ desk &    
*air at a w9d[ at ! side1 :i* 0 heavily 
d>k5$ by ! ?ick foliage ( ! trees t grew
 9 ! g>d5 beyond4  ,dropp+ d[n on ! s(a 
) 8 head laid l[ & 8 feet ?r[n up 9 a   
fav\rite attitude on ! back1 :i* mu/1 ,i
 imag9e1 h be5 at lea/ z easy z x 0     
elegant1 he began ! conv]sation by      
bant]+ me ^u :at he call$ my 8robu/i\s0 
appe>ance comp>$ ) :at he _h be5 l$ to  
expect f gloomy reports ( unc]ta9 heal?4
 ,aft] a s]ies ( playful t\*es 7all done
 9 ! easie/ conceivable way1 & convey+  
any impression on e>? save ! "r "o1 t a 
fir/ meet+ ) any man1 h[ev] "y &        
h>mless1 0 little less ?an a tragic ev5t
 to ,rossetti7 he glanc$ "o by "o at    

c]ta9 ( ! topics t _h aris5 9 ! c\rse ( 
our correspond5ce4 ,i p]ceiv$ t he 0 a  
ready1 flu5t1 & graceful talk]1 ) a     
rem>kable incisiv5ess ( spee*1 & a trick
 ( dignify+ ord9>y topics 9 words :i*1  
)\t ris+ above conv]sation1 7 s exactly1
 ?\gh freely enunciat$1 z w\ld h admitt$
 ( _! be+ report$ exactly z !y fell f 8 
lips4 ,9 "s ( ^! respects ,i f\nd 8     
bro!r ,william resemble him1 ?\gh1 if ,i
 may describe ! talk ( a dead fri5d by  
contra/+ x ) t ( a liv+ "o be>+ a       
natural aff9ity to x1 ,i w say t        
,gabriel's conv]sation 0 p]haps m       
spontane\s1 & _h m v>iety ( tone ) less 
range ( subject1 toge!r ) ! same        
precision & p]spicuity4 ,v soon ! talk  
became g5]al1 & !n ,rossetti spoke )\t  
appe>ance ( res]ve ( 8 two or ?ree      
intimate fri5ds1 tell+ me1 among o!r    
?+s1 ( ,!odore ,watts1 t he 8_h a head  
exactly l t ( ,napoleon ,i41 :om        
,watts10 he said ) a *uckle1 8dete/s m  
?an any "* 9 hi/ory2 dep5d ^u x10 he    
add$1 8su* a head 0 n giv5 to him =     

no?+20 t ,fr$]ick ,%ields 0 z emotional 
z ,%elley1 & ,=d ,madox ,br[n1 :om ,i _h
 met1 z s5t5ti\s z ,dr4 ,johnson4 ,i    
kept no sort ( record ( :at pass$ ^u !  
occasion 9 "q1 b ,i rememb] t ,rossetti 
seem$ to be playfully batt]+ 8 fri5ds 9 
_! abs5ce 9 ! assur$ consci\sness t he 0
 do+ s 9 ! pres5ce ( a well-wi%]2 & x 0 
amus+ to obs]ve t1 aft] any p>ticul>ly  
lively sally1 he w\ld pause to say      
some?+ 9 a sob]$ tone t 0 meant to      
convey ! idea t he 0 really v jeal\s ( 8
 fri5ds' reputation1 & 0 m]ely = ! sake 
( amusem5t giv+ re9 to a sportive fancy4
 ,dur+ d9n] 7& contr>y to 8 decl>$      
habit1 we did n d9e 9 ! /udio7 he talk$ 
a good deal ab\t ,oliv] ,madox ,br[n1 = 
:om ,i _h conceiv$ a w>m admiration1 &  
to :om ,i _h ab\t t "t address$ a       
sonnet4  8,y _h a s9c]e admiration ( !  
boy's gifts80 ,i ask$4  8,assur$ly4 ,i h
 always said t tw5ty ye>s aft] 8 dea? 8 
"n w be a famili> "o4 ,! ,black ,swan is
 a p[]ful /ory1 al?\gh ,i mu/ hone/ly   
say t x displays 9 its c5tral incid5t a 

c]ta9 torpidity t to me is pa9ful4      
,und\bt$ly ,oliv] _h g5ius1 & mu/ h done
 great ?+s _h he liv$4 ,8 dea? 0 a      
griev\s bl[ to 8 fa!r4 ,i'm glad y've   
writt5 t sonnet2 ,i want$ y to toss up  
y\r cap = ,nolly40 ,he spoke ( ,oliv]'s 
fa!r z indisputably "o ( ! greate/ (    
liv+ col\ri/s1 inquir$ e>ne/ly into !   
progress ( 8 frescoes at ,man*e/]1 = "o 
( ! figures 9 :i* ,i _h sat1 & %[$ me a 
little wat]-col\r draw+ made by ,oliv]  
himself :5 v "y4 ,d9n] be+ n[ ov]1 ,i   
ask$ ,rossetti to r$eem 8 promise to    
read "o ( 8 new ballads2 & z 8 bro!r1 :o
 _h (t5 he>d x be=e1 express$ 8 read9ess
 to he> x aga91 he respond$ readily1 &1 
tak+ a small manuscript volume out ( a  
section ( ! bookcase t _h be5 lock$1    
read u ,! ,:ite ,%ip4 ,i h spok5 ( !    
ballad z a poem at an e>li] /age1 b x   
rema9s to me1 9 ?is place1 to describe !
 effect produc$ ^u me by ! au?or's      
read+4 ,x seem$ to me t ,i nev] he>d    
any?+ at all mat*able ) ,rossetti's     
elocution2 8 ri* deep voice l5t an add$ 

music to ! music ( ! v]se3 x rose & fell
 9 ! passages descriptive ( ! wreck )   
some?+ ( ! surge & sibilation ( ! sea   
itself2 9 ! t5d]] passages x 0 s(t z a  
woman's1 & 9 ! pa!tic /anzas ) :i* !    
ballad closes x 0 pr(\ndly mov+4        
,effective z ! read+ s\nd$ 9 t /udio1 ,i
 rememb] at ! mom5t to h d\bt$ if x w\ld
 prove q s effective f a public plat=m4 
,p]haps !re seem$ to be s mu* insi/5ce  
on ! rhy?m1 & s prolong$ a t5sion ( !   
rhyme s\nds1 z w\ld run ! risk ( a *>ge 
( monotony if fall+ on e>s less conc]n$ 
) po9ts ( metrical beauty ?an )         
fundam5tal sub/ance4 ,p]sonally1 h[ev]1 
,i f\nd ! read+ 9 ! v highe/ degree     
enjoyable & inspir+4  ,! ev5+ 0 gone by 
! "t ! ballad 0 end$2 & x 0 arrang$ t ^u
 my return to ,london f ! h\se ( a fri5d
 at ! sea-side ,i %\ld aga9 d9e )       
,rossetti1 & sleep ! night at ,*eyne    
,walk4 ,i 0 invit$ to come e>ly 9 ord]  
to see c]ta9 pictures by day-light1 & x 
0 !n ,i saw ! pa9t]'s mo/ important     
"w1--! ,dants ,dream1 :i* f9ally 7& be=e

 ,rossetti 0 made aw>e ( any /eps be+   
tak5 to t end7 ,i _h prevail$ ) ,ald]man
 ,samuelson to pur*ase = ! public gall]y
 at ,liv]pool4 ,at my reque/1 ?\gh only 
aft] "s importunity1 ,rossetti read aga9
 8 ,:ite ,%ip1 & aft]w>ds ,rose ,m>y1 ! 
latt] ( :i* he told me _h be5 writt5 9 !
 c\ntry %ortly aft] ! appe>ance ( ! fir/
 volume ( poems4 ,he rem>k$ t x _h      
occupi$ ?ree weeks 9 ! writ+1 & t !     
physical pro/ration ensu+ _h be5 m ?an  
he w\ld c>e to g ?r\gh aga94 ,i obs]v$  
on ?is head1 t ?\gh highly f9i%$ 9 e    
/anza1 ! ballad _h an impetu\s ru% (    
emotion1 & swift curr5t ( diction1      
sugge/+ spe$ 9 its composition1 z       
contra/$ ) ! lab\r$ delib]ation :i* !   
sonnets1 = example1 appe>$ to d5ote4 ,i 
ask$ if 8 "w usually took mu* out ( him 
9 physical en]gy4  8,n my pa9t+1        
c]ta9ly10 he repli$1 8?\gh 9 e>ly ye>s x
 torm5t$ me m ?an en\gh4 ,n[ ,i pa9t by 
a set ( unwritt5 b cle>ly-def9$ rules1  
:i* ,i c\ld tea* to any man z           
sy/ematically z y c\ld tea* ari?metic2  

inde$1 q rec5tly ,i sat all day = t v   
purpose ) ,%ields1 :o is n s great a    
col\ri/ z he is a draughtsman3 he is a  
great draughtsman--none bett] n[ liv+1  
unless x is ,leighton or ,sir ,noel     
,paton40  8,/ill10 ,i said1 8!re's      
usually a good deal 9 a picture ( y\rs  
beside :at y c d by rule40  8,fundam5tal
 conception1 no d\bt1 b beyond t n mu*4 
,9 pa9t+1 aft] all1 !re is 9 ! less     
important details some?+ ( ! craft ( a  
sup]ior c>p5t]1 & ! "p ( a picture t is 
n me*anical is (t5 trivial en\gh4 ,i    
don't wond]1 n[10 he add$1 ) a suspicion
 ( a tw9kle 9 ! eye1 8if y imag9e t "o  
comes d[n "h 9 a f9e fr5zy e morn+ to   
daub canvas80  8,i c]ta9ly imag9e10 ,i  
repli$1 8t a sup]ior c>p5t] w\ld f9d x  
h>d to pa9t ano!r ,dante's ,dream1 :i*  
"s p consid] ! be/ example yet se5 ( !  
,engli% s*ool40  8,t is fri5dly         
nons5se10 rejo9$ my frank ho/1 8!re is  
n[ no ,engli% s*ool :atev]40  8,well10  
,i said1 8if y d5y ! "n to o!rs :o lay m
 claim to x1 w y n at lea/ all[ x to !  

?ree or f\r pa9t]s :o />t$ ) y 9 life80 
8,n at all1 unless x is to ,br[n1 & he's
 m ,fr5* ?an ,engli%2 ,hunt & ,jones h  
no m claim to ! "n ?an ,i h4 ,z = all ! 
prattle ab\t pre-,raphaelitism1 ,i      
confess to y ,i am we>y ( x1 & long h   
be54 ,:y %\ld we g on talk+ ab\t !      
vision>y vanities ( half-a-doz5 boys8   
,we've all gr[n out ( !m1 ,i hope1 by   
n[40  ,i rem>k$ t ! pre-,raphaelite     
movem5t 0 no d\bt a s]i\s "o at !       
beg9n+4  8,:at y call ! movem5t 0 s]i\s 
en\gh1 b ! b&+ toge!r "u t title 0 all a
 joke4 ,we _h at t "t a ph5om5al        
antipa?y to ! ,academy1 & 9 %e] love (  
be+ outlaw$ sign$ our pictures ) !      
well-kn[n initials40 ,i h pres]v$ !     
sub/ance ( :at ,rossetti said on ?is    
po9t1 &1 z f> z possible1 ! actual words
 h be5 giv54 ,on _m subsequ5t occasions 
he express$ himself 9 ! same way3       
assur$ly ) z mu* seem+ depreciation ( ! 
pa9t]'s 8craft10 al?\gh c]ta9 examples (
 mod]n art call$ =? 8 w>me/ eulogies4 ,9
 s]i\s moods he w\ld speak ( pictures by

 ,millais1 ,watts1 ,leighton1 ,burne    
,jones1 & o!rs1 z works ( ! highe/      
g5ius4  ,rev]t+ to my inquiry z to :e!r 
8 "w took mu* out ( him1 he rem>k$ t 8  
poetry usually did4 8,9 t respect10 he  
said1 8,i am ! rev]se ( ,sw9burne4 ,= 8 
me?od ( production inspiration is inde$ 
! ^w4 ,) me ! case is diff]5t4 ,i lie on
 ! c\*1 ! rack$ & tortur$ m$ium1 nev]   
p]mitt$ an in/ant's surcease ( agony    
until ! ?+ on h& is f9i%$40  ,x 0 obvi\s
 t :at ,rossetti meant by be+ rack$ &   
tortur$1 0 t 8 subject possess$ him2 t  
he 0 enslav$ by 8 own 8%ap+ imag9ation40
 ,assur$ly he 0 ! rev]se ( a co/ive     
poet3 impulse 01 to use 8 own phrase1   
fully develop$ 9 8 muse4  ,i made "s    
playful allusion1 assur$ly n meant to   
involve ,mr4 ,sw9burne1 to ,%]idan's    
epigram on easy writ+ & h>d read+2 & to 
! ,abb de ,m>olles1 :o exult+ly told "s 
poet t 8 v]ses co/ no tr\ble3 8,!y co/ y
 :at !y are wor?10 repli$ ! b>d4  8,"o  
b5efit ,i d d]ive10 ,rossetti add$1 8z a
 result ( my me?od ( composition2 my "w 

becomes cond5s$4 ,probably ! man does n 
live :o c\ld write :at ,i h writt5 m    
briefly ?an ,i h done40  ,emphasis &    
cond5sation1 ,i rem>k$1 7 indubitably ! 
*>act]i/ics ( 8 muse4 ,he !n read me a  
great body ( ! new sonnets ( ,! ,h\se ( 
,life4 ,sitt+ 9 t /udio li/5+ to 8 read+
 & look+ up meantime at ! *alk-draw+s t 
hung on ! walls1 ,i realis$ h[ truly he 
_h said1 9 correspond5ce1 t ! feel+     
p]vad+ 8 pictures 0 su* z 8 poetry ought
 to sugge/4 ,! aff9ity betwe5 ! two     
seem$ to me at t mom5t to be complete3 !
 same half-sad1 half-resign$ view (     
life1 ! same glimpses ( hope1 ! same    
=e%ad[+s ( gloom4  8,y d\btless ?9k x   
odd10 he said at "o mom5t1 8to he> an   
old fell[ read su* love-poetry z mu* (  
?is is1 b ,i may tell y t ! l>g] "p ( x1
 ?\gh /ill unpubli%$1 0 writt5 :5 ,i 0 z
 "y z y are4 ,:5 ,i pr9t ^! sonnets1 ,i 
%all probably affix a note say+1 t ?\gh 
_m ( !m are ( rec5t production1 n a few 
are obvi\sly ! "w ( e>li] ye>s40  ,i    
express$ admiration ( ! pa!tic sonnet   

entitl$ ,)\t ,h]4  8,i _c tell y10 he   
said1 8at :at t]rible mom5t x 0 wrung f 
me40  ,he _h read x ) te>s ( voice1     
subsid+ at l5g? into suppress$ sobs &   
int]vals ( sil5ce4 ,z ?\gh to expla9    
away ?is emotion he said3  8,all poetry1
 t is really poetry1 affects me deeply &
 (t5 to te>s4 ,x does n ne$ to be pa!tic
 or yet t5d] to produce su* a result4 ,i
 h kn[n 9 my life two m51 & two only1 :o
 are simil>ly s5sitive--,t5nyson1 & my  
old fri5d & neighb\r ,william ,bell     
,scott4 ,i once he>d ,t5nyson read      
,maud1 & :il/ ! fi]y passages 7 deliv]$ 
) a voice & vehem5ce :i* he alone ( liv+
 m5 c compass1 ! s(t] passages & ! songs
 made ! te>s c\rse d[n 8 *eeks4 ,morris 
is a f9e read]1 & s1 ( 8 k9d1 ?\gh a    
little prone to s+-song1 is ,sw9burne4  
,br[n+ bo? reads & talks well--at lea/  
he did s :5 ,i knew him intimately z a  
"y man40  ,rossetti w5t on to say t he  
_h be5 among ,br[n+'s e>lie/ admir]s4 ,z
 a boy he _h se5 some?+ sign$ by ! !n   
unkn[n "n ( ! au?or ( ,p>acelsus1 &     

wrote to him4 ,! result 0 an intimacy4  
,he spoke ) w>me/ admiration ( ,*ild    
,rol&2 & ref]r$ to ,elizabe? ,b>rett    
,br[n+ 9 t]ms ( reg>d1 &1 ,i ?9k ,i may 
say1 ( rev]5ce4  ,i ask$ if he _h ev]   
he>d ,rusk9 read4 ,he repli$3  8,i mu/ h
 done s1 b rememb] no?+ cle>ly4 ,on "o  
occasion1 h[ev]1 ,i he>d him deliv] a   
spee*1 & t 0 some?+ nev] to =get4 ,:5 we
 7 "y1 we help$ ,fr$]ick ,d5ison        
,maurice by tak+ classes at ! ,work+    
,m5's ,college1 & !re ,*>les ,k+sley &  
o!rs made spee*es & deliv]$ lectures4   
,rusk9 0 ask$ to d some?+ ( ! k9d & at  
l5g? cons5t$4 ,he made no sort (        
prep>ation = ! occasion3 ,i "k he did n2
 we 7 toge!r at 8 fa!r's h\se ! :ole ( !
 day 9 "q4 ,at night we drove d[n to !  
,college1 & !n he made ! f9e/ spee* ,i  
ev] he>d4 ,i d\bt$ at ! "t if any writt5
 words ( 8 7 equal to x6 su* flam+      
diction6 su* emphasis6 su* appeal6--yet 
he _h writt5 8 fir/ & second volumes (  
,mod]n ,pa9t]s by t "t40 ,i h reproduc$ 
! sub/ance ( :at ,rossetti said on !    

occasion ( my return visit1 &1 by help (
 lett]s writt5 at ! "t to a fri5d1 ,i h 
9 _m cases recall$ 8 exact words4 ,a    
c]ta9 incisiv5ess ( spee* :i* di/+ui%$ 8
 conv]sation1 ,i confess myself sc>cely 
able to convey m ?an a sugge/ion (2 z   
,mr4 ,watts has said 9 ,! ,a!num1 8 talk
 %[$ an incisiv5ess s p]fect t x _h (t5 
! pleasurable surprise ( wit4 ,rossetti 
_h bo? wit & hum\r1 b ^!1 dur+ ! "t t ,i
 knew him1 7 only occasionally pres5t 9 
8 conv]sation1 :ile ! incisiv5ess 0     
always conspicu\s4 ,a c]ta9 quiet play (
 sportive fancy1 develop+ at int]vals   
into bant]1 0 sometimes obs]vable 9 8   
talk ) ! y\ng] & m famili> ( 8          
acqua9tances1 b = ! mo/ "p 8 conv]sation
 0 s]i\s1 &1 dur+ ! "t ,i knew him1 (t5 
sad4 ,i spe$ily obs]v$ t he 0 n ( !     
numb] ( ^? :o lead or su/a9 conv]sation4
 ,he requir$ to be con/antly int]rogat$1
 b z a negative talk]1 if ,i may s      
describe him1 he 0 by mu* ! be/ ,i _h   
he>d4 ,cat*+ "o's drift be=e "o _h      
reveal$ x1 & anticipat+ "o's objections1

 he w\ld g on f po9t to po9t1 almo/     
remov+ ! necessity = m ?an occasional   
words4 ,nev]!less1 z ,i say1 he 0 n1 9 !
 conv]sations ,i h he>d1 a lead+        
conv]sationali/2 8 talk 0 nev] m ?an    
talk1 & 9 say+ t x 0 uni=mly su/a9$ yet 
nev] declamatory1 ,i ?9k ,i convey an   
idea bo? ( its m]its & limitations4  ,i 
und]/ood t ,rossetti _h nev] at any     
p]iod ( 8 life be5 an e>ly ris]1 & at ! 
"t ( ! int]view 9 "q he 0 m ?an ev] be=e
 prone to rev]se ! natural ord] ( wak+ &
 sleep+ h\rs4 ,i am conv9c$ t dur+ ! "t 
,i 0 ) him only ! necessity ( secur+ a  
c]ta9 %ort int]val ( daylight1 by :i* x 
0 possible to pa9t1 prevail$ ) him to   
rise be=e noon4 ,allud+ to ?is          
idiosyncrasy1 he said3 8,i lie z long1  
or say z late1 z ,dr4 ,johnson us$ to d4
 ,y %all nev] "k1 until y discov] x =   
y\rself1 at :at h\r ,i rise40 ,he sat up
 until f\r ,a4,m4 on ?is night ( my     
second visit1--no unaccu/om$ ?+1 z ,i   
aft]w>ds le>n$4 ,i mu/ n omit ! m5tion (
 "o feature ( ! conv]sation1 reveal+ to 

me a new side ( 8 "*1 or1 m prop]ly1 a  
new phase ( 8 m9d1 :i* gave me          
subsequ5tly an inf9ity ( anxiety &      
di/ress4 ,bran*+ (f at a late h\r f "s  
entirely =eign topic1 he begg$ me to    
tell him ! facts ( "s unlucky debate 9  
:i* ,i _h long be=e be5 engag$ on a     
public plat=m ) "s "o :o _h attack$ him4
 ,he _h he>d a report ( :at pass$ at a  
"t :5 my "n 0 unkn[n to him1 z also 0 t 
( 8 assailant4 ,be+ =ew>n$ by ,william  
,rossetti ( 8 bro!r's peculi>           
s5sitiv5ess to critical attack1 & hav+1 
moreov]1 obs]v$ some?+ ( ! k9d myself1  
,i tri$ to avoid a circum/antial /atem5t
 ( :at pass$4 ,b ,rossetti 01 z has be5 
said by "o :o knew him well1 8(         
imag9ation all compact10 & my obvi\s    
desire to %elve ! subject sugge/$ to 8  
m9d a ?\s& inf]5ces inf9itely m damag+  
?an ! fact4 ,to avoid su* a result ,i   
told him all1 & !re 0 little 9 ! way (  
attack to repeat beyond a few unwelcome 
/rictures on 8 poem ,j5ny4 ,he li/5$ b  
too eag]ly to :at ,i 0 say+1 & !n 9 a   

voice sl[]1 s(t]1 & m *>g$1 p]haps1 )   
emotion ?an ,i _h he>d be=e1 said x 0 ! 
old /ory1 :i* began t5 ye>s be=e1 & w\ld
 g on until he _h be5 hunt$ & h\nd$ to 8
 grave4 ,/>tl$1 & inde$1 appall$ by s   
grave a view ( :at to me _h seem$ no m  
?an an error ( critical judgm5t1 c\pl$  
p]haps1 ) "s intemp]ance ( condemnation1
 ,i pray$ ( him to ?9k no m ( ! matt]1  
reproa*$ myself ) hav+ yield$ to 8      
importunity1 & begg$ him to rememb] t if
 "o man held ! op9ions ,i _h repeat$1 _m
 m5 held contr>y ones4  8,x 0 "r ( y to 
tell me :5 ,i ask$ y10 he said1 8?\gh my
 fri5ds usually keep su* facts f my k4  
,z to ,j5ny1 x is a s]mon1 no?+ less4 ,z
 ,i say1 x is a s]mon1 & on a great _w1 
to mo/ m5 unkn[n1 ?\gh few consid]      
!mselves ignorant ( x4 ,b ( ?is         
conspiracy to p]secute me--:at rema9s to
 say b t x is widespread &              
remorseless--"o _c b feel x40  ,i assur$
 him !re exi/$ no conspiracy to p]secute
 him3 t he _h ard5t uphold]s ev]y:]e1   
?\gh x 0 true t few m5 _h f\nd cruell]  

critics4 ,he %ook 8 head1 & said ,i knew
 t :at he _h alleg$ 0 true1 namely t an 
organis$ conspiracy exi/$1 hav+ = its   
object to annoy & injure him4 ,gr[+ a   
little impati5t ( ?is delusion1 s       
t5aci\sly held1 aga9/ all %[ ( reason1  
,i told him t x 0 no m ?an ! fev] ( an  
oppress$ bra9 br\ght ab\t by 8 reclusive
 habits ( life1 by %unn+ int]c\rse ) all
 save "s half doz5 or m fri5ds4 8,y tell
 me10 ,i said1 8t y h r>ely be5 outside 
^! walls = "s ye>s1 & y\r bra9 has      
mean:ile be5 bre$+ a ho/ (              
halluc9ations1 l cobwebs 9 a d>k corn]4 
,y h only to g abroad1 & ! fre% air w   
bl[ ^! ?+s away40 ,b cont9u+ = "s mom5ts
 long] 9 ! same /ra91 he came to clos]  
qu>t]s & di/ress$ me by nam+ z enemies  
?ree or f\r m5 :o _h ?r\gh\t life be5 8 
fri5ds1 :o h spok5 ( him s9ce 8 dea? 9  
words ( admiration & ev5 affection1 & :o
 _h = a "t fall5 away f him or call$ on 
him b r>ely1 f cont+5cies due to any    
cause b ali5at$ fri5d%ip4  ,at l5g? ! "t
 _h arriv$ :5 x 0 consid]$ prud5t to    

retire4 8,y are to sleep 9 ,watts's room
 to-night10 he said3 & !n 9 reply to a  
look ( inquiry he add$1 8,he comes "h at
 lea/ twice a week1 talk+ until f\r     
o'clock 9 ! morn+ ^u ev]y?+ f poetry to 
! ,pleiades1 & driv+ away ! bogies1 & z 
he lives at ,putney ,hill1 x is necess>y
 to h a b$ = him40 ,be=e go+ into my    
room he sugge/$ t ,i %\ld g & look1 at  
84 ,x 0 ent]$ f ano!r & small] room :i* 
he said t he us$ z a breakfa/ room4 ,!  
out] room 0 made fairly bright & *e]ful 
by a glitt]+ *&eli] 7! prop]ty once1 he 
told me1 ( ,david ,g>rick71 & f ! ru/le 
( trees aga9/ ! w9d[-pane "o p]ceiv$ t x
 ov]look$ ! g>d52 b ! inn] room 0 d>k ) 
heavy hang+s ar\nd ! walls z well z !   
b$1 & ?ick velvet curta9s be=e ! w9d[s1 
s t ! c&les 9 our h&s seem$ unable to   
light x1 & our voices s\nd$ ?ick &      
muffl$4 ,an enorm\s black oak           
*imney-piece ( curi\s design1 hav+ an   
ivory crucifix on ! l>ge/ ( its l$ges1  
cov]$ a "p ( "o side & rea*$ to ! ceil+4
 ,cab9ets1 & ! usual furniture ( a      

b$room1 occupi$ places ab\t ! floor3 & 9
 ! middle ( x1 & be=e a little c\*1 /ood
 a small table on :i* 0 a wire lant]n   
conta9+ a c&le :i* ,rossetti lit f ! op5
 "o 9 8 h&--ano!r c&le meantime ly+ by  
its side4 ,i rem>k$ t he probably burn$ 
a light all night4 ,he said t 0 s4 8,my 
curse10 he add$1 8is insomnia4 ,two or  
?ree h\rs h5ce ,i %all get up & lie on !
 c\*1 &1 to pass away a we>y h\r1 read  
?is book0--a volume ( ,boswell's        
,johnson :i* ,i notic$ he took out ( !  
bookcase z we left ! /udio4 ,x did n    
escape me t on ! table /ood two small   
bottles seal$ & labell$1 toge!r ) a     
little measur+-glass4 ,)\t look+ fur!r  
at x1 b ) a t]rible suspicion gr[+ ov]  
me1 ,i ask$ if t 7 8 m$ic9e4  8,!y say  
!re is a skeleton 9 e cupbo>d10 he said 
9 a l[ voice1 8& t's m9e2 x is *loral40 
,:5 ,i rea*$ ! room t ,i 0 to occupy    
dur+ ! night1 ,i f\nd x1 l ,rossetti's  
b$room1 heavy ) hang+s1 & black )       
antique picture panels1 ) a ceil+       
7unlike t ( ! o!r rooms 9 ! h\se71 out (

 all rea* or sight1 & s d>k f v>i\s     
causes1 t ! c&le seem$ only to glimm] 9 
x--inde$ to add to ! d>kness by mak+ x  
felt4 ,mr4 ,watts1 z ,rossetti told me1 
0 entirely indiff]5t to ^! e]ie         
surr\nd+s1 ev5 if 8 f9e subjective      
intellect1 m prone to m$itate ?an to    
obs]ve1 0 ev] = an in/ant consci\s ( !m2
 b on myself ,i fe> !y weigh$ heavily1 &
 augm5t$ ! feel+ ( clos5ess & gloom :i* 
_h be5 creep+ ^u me s9ce ,i ent]$ !     
h\se4 ,scatt]$ ab\t ! room 9 mo/ admir$ 
disord] 7 "s outl&i% & unhe>d-( books1 &
 all k9ds ( antiqu>ian & ,ori5tal       
oddities1 :i* books & oddities ,i       
aft]w>ds le>nt _h be5 pick$ up at v>i\s 
times by ! occupant 9 8 rambl+s ab\t    
,*elsea & else:]e1 & nev] yet tak5 away 
by him1 b left !re app>5tly to sc>e !   
*amb]maid3 su* z old c>v$ heads &       
g>goyles ( ! mo/ gr9n+ & gha/ly         
expression1 ,burmese & ,*9ese ,buddhas 9
 soap/one ( e degree ( placid ugl9ess1  
toge!r1 ,i am b\nd by =ce ( tru? to     
admit1 ) "o piece ( c>v$ ,italian m>ble 

9 bas-relief1 ( great int]e/ & beauty4  
,su* 0 my b$-*amb] = ! night1 & little  
wond] if x ?reat5$ to murd] ! innoc5t   
sleep4 ,b x 0 lat] ?an #d ,a4,m41 &     
we>i$ nature mu/ ne$s ass]t h]self1 & s 
,i lay d[n amid/ ! od\r ( bygone ages4  
,pres5tly ,rossetti came 91 = no purpose
 t ,i c rememb]1 except to say t he _h  
enjoy$ my visit ,i repli$ t ,i %\ld nev]
 =get x4 8,if y decide to settle 9      
,london10 he said1 8,i tru/ y #8ll come 
& live ) me1 & !n _m su* ev5+s mu/      
remove ! memory ( ?is "o40 ,i laugh$1 = 
,i ?\ght :at he h9t$ at to be ( !       
remote/ likelihood4 8,i h j tak5 sixty  
gra9s ( *loral10 he said1 z he 0 go+    
out2 89 f\r h\rs ,i take sixty m1 & 9   
f\r h\rs aft] t yet ano!r sixty40       
8,does n ! dose increase ) y80  8,x has 
n done s p]ceptibly 9 rec5t ye>s4 ,i    
judge ,i've tak5 m *loral ?an any man   
:atev]3 ,m>%all says if ,i 7 put into a 
,turki% ba? ,i %\ld sweat x at e pore40 
,!re 0 some?+ 9 8 tone sugge/+ t he 0   
ev5 pr\d ( ! accompli%m5t4 ,to me x 0 a 

frightful revelation1 acc\nt+ entirely =
 :at _h puzzl$ & di/ress$ me 9 8        
delusions already ref]r$ to4 ,& n[ let  
me say t :il/ x w\ld h be5 on my "p !   
mo/ pitiful weakness 7because ! mo/     
fooli% te>fulness ( injur+ a great man  
:o 0 /rong en\gh to suff] a good deal to
 be disc\nt$ f 8 /r5g?71 to attempt to  
conceal ?is pa9ful side ( ,rossetti's   
m9d1 ,i %all n aga9 allude to ^?        
delusions1 unless x be to %[ t1 com+ to 
him ) ! drug :i* blight$ half 8 life1 !y
 disappe>$ :5 x _h be5 remov$4  ,none   
may rightly say to :at ! use ( t drug 0 
due1 or :at 0 due to x2 ! sadd] side ( 8
 life 0 ev] "u its %ad[2 8 occasional   
di/ru/ ( fri5ds3 8 fe> ( enemies3 8     
brok5 heal? & %att]$ spirits1 all came (
 8 indulg5ce 9 ! p]nici\s ?+4 ,:5 ,i    
rememb] ?is ,i am m ?an will+ to put by 
all ?\ght ( ! little annoyances1 :i* to 
me1 z to o!r imm$iate fri5ds1 7         
con/antly occurr+ ?r\gh t cause1 :i*    
seem$ at ! mom5t s vexati\s & (t5 s     
insupportable1 b :i* are n[ =gott54     

,next morn+--7a cle> autumn morn+7--,i  
/roll$ ?r\gh ! l>ge g>d5 at ! back ( !  
h\se1 & ( c\rse ,i f\nd x ( a piece )   
:at ,i _h previ\sly se54 ,a beautiful   
av5ue ( lime-trees op5$ into a grass    
plot ( ne>ly an acre 9 ext5t4 ,! trees 7
 j z nature made !m1 & s 0 ! grass1 :i* 
9 places 0 ly+ long1 dry & )]$ "u ! sun1
 we$s creep+ up 9 damp places1 & !      
gravel ( ! pa?way scatt]$ ^u ! v]ges4   
,?is neglect$ condition ( ! g>d5 01 ,i  
aft]w>ds f\nd1 humor\sly *>g$ ^u ,mr4   
,watts's 8reluctance to int]f]e ) nature
 9 h] clev] s*eme ( ! survival ( !      
fitte/10 b ,i suspect x 0 due at lea/   
equally to ! own]'s p]sonal indiff]5ce  
to ev]y?+ ( ! k9d4  ,be=e leav+ ,i      
glanc$ ov] ! bookcase4 ,rossetti's      
libr>y 0 by no means a l>ge "o4 ,x      
consi/$1 p]haps1 ( #ajjj volumes1       
sc>cely m2 & ?\gh ?is 0 n l>ge z        
compris+ ! libr>y ( "o ^: read+ mu/ h   
be5 9 two arts pursu$ z special /udies1 
& ea* involv+ rese>* & m9ute orig9al    
inquiry1 x _c be consid]$ noticeably    

small1 & x mu/ h be5 suffici5t4         
,rossetti diff]$ /rangely z a read] f ! 
man to :om 9 bias ( g5ius he 0 mo/ ne>ly
 relat$4 ,col]idge 0 an omnivor\s g5]al 
read]3 ,rossetti 0 eclectic r ?an       
desultory4 ,8 libr>y conta9$ a numb] (  
valuable old works ( m int]e/ to him f  
_! plates ?an lett]press4 ,( ?is k9d 7  
,g]>d's ,h]bal 7#afbf71 suppos$ to be ! 
s\rce ( _m a h9t utilis$ by ! ,morris   
firm1 ( :i* ,rossetti 0 a memb]2        
,poliphili ,hypn]otoma*ia 7#adfg72      
,heywood's ,hi/ory ( ,wom5 7#afbd72     
,songe de ,poliphile 7#aefa72 ,bonn>d's 
,co/umes ( #ab?1 #ac?1 & l#d? ,c5turies2
 ,habiti ,anti*i 7( :i* ! designs are   
said to be by ,titian7--pr9t$ ,v5ice1   
7#affd72 ,cosmographia1 a hi/ory ( !    
peoples ( ! _w 7#aegb72 ,cic]onis       
,(ficia 7#aecd71 a blacklett] folio1 )  
woodcuts by ,burgkmai]2 ,jo/ ,amman's   
,co/umes1 ) woodcuts col\r$ by h&2 ,c5to
 ,novelle 7,v5ice1 #aeih72 ,francesco   
,b>b]9o's ,docum5ti 7d',amore 7,rome1   
#afdj72 ,dcoda de ,titolivio1 a ,spani% 

blacklett]1 )\t date1 b probably belong+
 to ! #af? c5tury4 ,besides ^! 7 v>i\s  
vellum-b\nd works relat+ to ,greek &    
,roman allegorical & my?ological        
subjects1 & a numb] ( scrap-books &     
portfolios conta9+ photographs f ne>ly  
all ! picture-gall]ies ( ,europe1 b     
*iefly ( ! pictures ( ! e>ly ,flor5t9e &
 ,v5etian s*ools1 ) an admixture (      
,spani% art4 ,( ,mi*ael ,angelo's       
designs = ! ,si/9e ,*apel !re 0 a f9e   
set ( photographs4  ,^! did n make up a 
v complete anci5t arti/ic libr>y1 b     
,rossetti's collection ( ! poets 0 m    
full & valuable4 ,!re 0 a pretty little 
e>ly edition ( ,petr>*1 :i* appe>$ to h 
be5 pres5t$ fir/ by ,john ,philip       
,kemble to ,polidori 7,rossetti's       
gr&fa!r7 9 #ahab2 !n 9 #ahec by         
,polidori to 8 daught]1 ,rossetti's "m1 
,frances ,rossetti2 & by h] 9 #ahgj to  
h] son4 ,a spl5did edition 7#aeeb7 (    
,boccaccio's ,decam]one conta9$ a numb] 
( valuable m>g9al notes1 *iefly by      
,rossetti1 ! fir/ be+ z foll[s3  ,?is   

volume conta9s #dj woodcuts besides _m  
initial lett]s4 ,! great] numb]1 if n ! 
:ole1 mu/ c]ta9ly be by ,holbe94 ,i am 9
 d\bt z to ! pictures head+ ! *apt]s1 b 
?9k ^! mo/ probably 81 only foll[+ !    
usual /yle ( su* illu/rations to        
,boccaccio1 & consequ5tly m ,italianis$ 
?an ! o!rs4 ,! initial lett]s pres5t = !
 mo/ "p games ( /r5g? or skill4  ,!re 7 
v>i\s editions ( ,dante1 includ+ a v    
l>ge folio edition ( ! ,comm$ia1 dat$   
,flor5ce1 #adha1 & ! works ( a numb] (  
,dante's contempor>ies4 ,besides two or 
?ree editions ( ,%akspe>e 7! be/ be+    
,dyce's1 9 #i vols471 !re 7 "s ( !      
,elizabe?an dramati/s4 ,com+ to lat]    
poetry1 ,i f\nd a complete set (        
,gilfillan's ,poets1 9 #de vols4 ,!re 0 
! curi\s little manuscript qu>to 7mu* l 
a %ill+ s*ool-ex]cise book7 labell$     
,blake1 & ?is 01 p]haps1 by f> ! mo/    
valuable volume 9 ! libr>y4 ,! cont5ts &
 hi/ory ( ?is book h already be5 giv54  
,!re 7 two editions ( ,gil*ri/'s ,blake2
 complete 7or almo/ complete7 sets ( !  

works ( ,william ,morris & ,a4 ,c4      
,sw9burne1 inscrib$ 9 ! au?ors'         
autographs--! copy ( ,atalanta 9        
,calydon be+ m>k$ by ! poet1 8,fir/     
copy2 pr9t$ (f be=e ! d$ication 0 9     
type40 ,x may be rememb]$ t ,rob]t      
,br\gh translat$ ,brang]'s songs1 &     
d$icat$ 8 volume 9 affectionate t]ms to 
,rossetti4 ,! pres5tation copy ( ?is    
book bore ! foll[+ inscription3--8,to   
,d4 ,g4 ,rossetti1 mean+ 9 my he>t :at  
,i h tri$ to say 9 pr9t4 ,et4 ,b4       
,br\gh4 #ahef40 ,!re 7 also sev]al      
pres5tation copies f ,rob]t ,br[n+1     
,cov5try ,patmore1 ,w4 ,b4 ,scott1 ,sir 
,h5ry ,taylor1 ,aubrey de ,v]e1 ,tom    
,taylor1 ,we/l& ,m>/on1 ,f4 ,lock]1 ,a4 
,o',%aughnessy1 ,sir ,!odore ,m>t92     
besides volumes be>+ ! names ( ne>ly e  
well-kn[n y\ng] writ] ( prose or v]se4  
,five volumes ( ,mod]n ,pa9t]s1 toge!r )
 ,! ,sev5 ,lamps ( ,ar*itecture & !     
tract on ,pre-,raphaelitism1 bore !     
au?or's "n & ,rossetti's 9 ,mr4 ,rusk9's
 autograph4 ,!re 0 a f9e copy 9 t5      

volumes ( ,violet-le-,duc's             
,dictionnaire de l',ar*itecture1 & also 
( ! ,biographie ,gnrale 9 =ty-six       
volumes1 besides sev]al diction>ies1    
concordances1 & ! l4 ,!re 0 also a copy 
( ,fitzg]ald's ,cald]on4 ,rossetti seem$
 to be a read] ( ,sw$5borg1 z ,:ite's   
book on ! great my/ic te/ifi$2 also to h
 be5 at "o "t int]e/$ 9 ! inve/igation (
 ! ph5om5a ( ,spiritualism4 ,( "o writ] 
( fiction he mu/ h be5 an ard5t read]1 =
 !re 7 at lea/ #ajj volumes by ,alex&re 
,dumas4 ,g]man writ]s 7 conspicu\sly    
abs5t1 ,goe!'s ,fau/ & ,c>lyle's        
translation ( ,wilhelm1 ,mei/]1 be+ ab\t
 ! only notable ,g]man works 9 ! libr>y4
 ,rossetti did n appe> to be a collector
 ( fir/ editions1 nor did x seem t he   
atta*$ mu* importance to ! m]e outsides 
( 8 books1 b ( ! insides he 0 ma/]      
inde$4 ,! impression left ^u ! m9d aft] 
a rapid survey ( ! poet-pa9t]'s libr>y 0
 t he 0 a c>eful1 b sl[ & ?or\gh read]  
7z 0 se5 by ! m>g9al annotations :i*    
ne>ly e volume conta9$71 & t1 ?\gh v f> 

f affect$ by bibliomania1 he 0 n )\t    
pride 9 ! possession ( r>e & valuable   
books4  ,:5 ,i left ! h\se at a late h\r
 t morn+ ,rossetti 0 n yet /irr+1 & s "s
 mon?s pass$ be=e ,i saw him aga94 ,if  
,i _h tri$ to =mulate ! idea--or say    
s5sation--t possess$ me at ! mom5t1 ,i  
?9k ,i %\ld h said1 9 a ^w or two1 t    
outside ! air brea!d freely4 ,)91 !     
gloom1 ! m$iaeval furniture1 ! brass    
c5s]s1 sacram5tal cups1 lamps2 &        
crucifixes conspir$1 ,i ?\ght1 to make !
 atmosph]e heavy & un:olesome4 ,z = !   
man himself :o 0 ! c5tral _s amid/ ^!   
ana*roni/ic environm5ts1 he _h1 if      
possible1 atta*$ me yet clos] to himself
 by contact4 ,be=e ?is ,i _h be5        
attract$ to him 9 admiration ( 8 gifts3 
b n[ ,i 0 drawn to him1 9 some?+ v l    
pity1 = 8 isolation & suff]+4 ,n t at   
?is "t he consci\sly made dem& ( mu*    
compassion1 & lea/ ( all f me4 ,heal? 0 
app>5tly :ole ) him1 8 spirits 7 good1 &
 8 en]gies 7 at _! be/4 ,he _h n yet    
kn[n ! full bitt]ness ( ! %ad[$ valley3 

n yet le>n$ :at x 0 to hung] = any      
*e]ful society t w\ld relieve him ( !   
burd5 ( ! fle%4 ,all t came lat]4       
,rossetti 0 "o ( ! mo/ magnetic ( m51 b 
x 0 n m 8 g5ius ?an 8 unhapp9ess t held 
c]ta9 ( 8 fri5ds by a spell4     ,,*apt]
 ,,viii4  ,x 0 *>act]i/ic ( ,rossetti t 
he address$ me 9 ! foll[+ t]ms probably 
be=e ,i _h left 8 h\se3 = ! lett] 01 no 
d\bt1 writt5 9 t int]val ( sleeplessness
 :i* he _h spok5 ( z 8 nightly visitant3
  ,i =got to say--,don't1 please1 spread
 details z to /ory ( ,rose ,m>y4 ,i     
don't want x to be /ale or to get       
=e/all$ 9 ! travell+ ( report f m\? to  
m\?4 ,i hope x won't be too long be=e y 
visit t[n aga91--,i w n = an in/ant "q t
 y w\ld !n visit me also4  ,six mon?s or
 m int]v5$1 h[ev]1 be=e ,i 0 able to    
visit ,rossetti aga94 ,9 ! meantime we  
correspond$ z fully z be=e3 ! subject ^u
 :i* we mo/ frequ5tly ex*ang$ op9ions   
be+ n[ ! sonnet4       ,by-!-bye he     
says1 ,i _c und]/& :at y say (          
,milton's1 ,keats's1 & ,col]idge's      

sonnets4 ,! la/1 x is      true1 0      
always poor z a sonnette] 7,i don't see 
mu* 9      ! ,autumnal ,moon74 ,my own  
only exception to ?is v]dict      7mu* z
 ,i adore ,col]idge's g5ius7 w\ld be !  
ludicr\s      sonnet on ,! ,h\se t ,jack
 built1 :i* is a      ma/]piece 9 its   
way4 ,i %\ld n myself numb] ! "o      y 
m5tion ( ,keats's among 8 be/ half-doz5 
7_m (      8 are m]e drafts1 /range to  
say72 & _c at all      ent] into y\r    
v]dict on ^? ( ,milton1 :i* seem to me  
to be e "o ( exceptional excell5ce1 ?\gh
 a few are      ev5 f9] ?an ! re/1      
notably1 ( c\rse1 ! "o y      "n4 ,p>don
 an egoti/ic s5t5ce 79 answ] to :at y   
say s g5]\sly ( ,lo/ ,days71 if ,i      
express an op9ion      t ,kn[n 9 ,va9 & 
,/ill-born ,love may p]haps be      said
 to head ! s]ies 9 value1 ?\gh ,lo/     
,days might      be equally a fav\rite )
 me if ,i did n rememb] 9 :at      b too
 opportune juncture x 0 wrung out ( me4 
,i h a      good numb] ( sonnets = ,!   
,h\se ( ,life /ill 9 ,,ms41      :i* ,i 

h work$ on ) my be/ ef=t1 &1 ,i ?9k1    
w fully su/a9 _! place4 ,^! & o!r ?+s ,i
      %\ld l to %[ y :5ev] we meet aga94
 ,! ,,ms4 vol4      ,i propos$ to s5d is
 m]ely an old set ( 7*iefly7            
trifles1 ab\t :i* ,i %\ld l an op9ion z 
to :e!r      any %\ld be includ$ 9 !    
future4  ,i _h spok5 ( ,keats's sonnet  
beg9n+       ,to "o :o has be5 long 9   
city p5t1  ) its exquisite la/ l9es--   
,e'en l ! passage ( an angel's te>      
,t falls ?r\gh ! cle> e!r sil5tly1      
rem9d+ "o ( a less spiritual figure--   
,k+s l a gold5 jewel      ,d[n a gold5  
/air4  ,aft] 8 bant]+ me1 z ( old he _h 
done1 on ! use ( long & crabb$ words1 ,i
 h9t$ t he 0 9 hon\r b\nd to agree at   
lea/ ) my disp>ag+ judgm5t ^u           
,tetra*ordon1 if only because ( ! use ( 
words t w\ld 8h made ,qu9tillian />e40  
,i fur!r in/anc$--       8,h>ry ^:      
tuneful & well-measur$ song20 &         
8,lawr5ce1 ( virtu\s fa!r virtu\s son10 
z examples ( ,milton at 8 weake/ z a    
sonnet-writ]4 ,he repli$3       ,i am   

sorry ,i mu/ /ill diff] some:at f y ab\t
      ,milton's sonnets4 ,i ?9k ! "o on 
,tetra*ordon a v      vigor\s affair    
inde$4 ,! "o to ,mr4 ,h4 ,lawes ,i am   
half      dispos$ to give y1 b n        
altoge!r--its close is      sweet4 ,z to
 ,lawr5ce1 x is curi\s t my si/] 0      
only ! o!r day express+ to me a special 
reli% =      ?is sonnet1 & ,i d ?9k x v 
fre% & :olesomely      reli%+ myself4 ,x
 is an awful fact t sun1 moon1 or       
c&lelight once look$ d[n on ! human     
port5t ( ,dr4      ,johnson & ,mrs4     
,hannah ,m conv5$ 9 solemn conclave     
above ! outspread sonnets ( ,milton1 ) a
 m]itori\s      & consid]ate resolve (  
f9d+ out = him 8:y !y      7 s bad40    
,?is is s /up5d\s a w>n+1 t p]haps      
x may ev5 incl9e "o to f9d "s ( !m bett]
 ?an      !y are4       ,com+ to        
,col]idge1 ,i mu/ confess at once t ,i  
nev]      meet 9 any collection ) !     
sonnet on ,s*ill]'s      ,robb]s )\t    
head+ x at once ) ! words               
8unconscionably bad40 ,! habit has be5 a

 life-long "o4      ,t y m5tion         
beg9n+--8,sweet m]cy10 etc41 ,i h       
look$ = 9 ! only ,col]idge ,i h by me   
7my bro!r's      *eap edition1 = all !  
faults ( :i* he is n at      all        
answ]able71 & d n f9d x !re1 nor h ,i x 
9      m9d4       ,to pass to ,keats4 ,!
 ed4 ( #ahfh conta9s no sonnet on !     
,elg9 ,m>bles4 ,is x 9 a lat] edition8  
,( c\rse t on      ,*apman's ,hom] is   
supreme4 ,x ought to be prec$$ 99 9     
all editions by ! "o ,to ,hom]1         
8,/&+ alo( 9 giant ignorance10 etc4     
:i* conta9s p]haps ! greate/ s+le l9e 9 
,keats3            8,!re is a budd+     
morr[ 9 midnight40       99 ,i po9t$ out
 t x 0 writt5 lat] ?an ! "o on          
,*apman's ,hom] 7not)/&+ its fir/ l9e7 &
      !re=e %\ld foll[ aft] x1 n g be=e4
       ,o!r special fav\rites ) me      
are--8,:y did ,i laugh to-              
night80--0 ,z ,h]mes once10--8,"t's sea 
ha? be510 &      ! "o ,on ! ,fl[] &1    
,leaf4       ,x is odd t sev]al ( ^! be/
 ones seem to h be5      e>ly "w1 &     

reject$ by ,keats 9 8 lifetime1 :ile    
"s ( ^? he pr9t$ are absolutely sorry   
drafts4       ,i _h admir$ ,col]idge's  
sonnet on ,s*ill]'s ,robb]s =      !    
p]haps m9or excell5ce ( br++ vividly    
be=e !      m9d ! sc5es x describes4 ,if
 ! sonnet is      unconscionably bad s  
p]haps is ! play1 ! beautiful      sc5e 
( ! sett+ sun not)/&+4 ,ev5tually1      
h[ev]1 ,i ab&on$ my bellig]5t position z
 to ,milton's      sonnets3 ! army (    
au?orities ,i f\nd rang$ aga9/ !        
mode/ e>?-works )9 :i* ,i _h entr5*$    
myself mu/      ( itself h made me      
quail4 ,my utmo/ cont5tion _h be5      t
 ,milton wrote ! mo/ impassion$ sonnet  
7,av5ge1 ,o      ,"l71 ! two mo/ nobly  
pa!tic sonnets 7,:5 ,i      consid] &   
,me?\ght ,i saw71 & "o ( ! poore/       
sonnets 7,h>ry1 ^: tuneful1 etc47 9     
,engli% poetry4       ,at ?is "t        
7,septemb] #ahhj7 ,mr4 ,j4 ,a%cr(t      
,noble      publi%$ an essay on ,!      
,sonnet 9 ,engl& 9 ,!      ,contempor>y 
,review1 & relat+ !reto ,rossetti wrote3

       ,i h j be5 read+ ,mr4 ,noble's   
article on ! sonnet4      ,z reg>ds my  
own %>e 9 x1 ,i c only say t x greets   
me ) a gratify+ ray ( g5]\s recognition4
 ,x is all      ! m pleasant to me z    
f9d+  a place 9 ! v      ,review :i*    
ye>s ago op5$ its pages to a pseudonym\s
      attack on my poems & on myself4 ,i
 see a passage 9 !      article :i*     
seems meant to indicate ! want ( su* a  
"w on ! sonnet z y are wi%+ to supply4  
,i only      tru/ t y may d s1 & t ,mr4 
,noble may f9d a      field = cont9u$   
poetic criticism4 ,i am v pr\d to       
?9k t1 aft] my small & solit>y book has 
be5 a good      _m ye>s publi%$ & sev]al
 ye>s out ( pr9t1 x yet      meets ) su*
 ard5t uphold+ by "y & s9c]e m54        
,) ! v]dicts giv5 ?r\gh\t ! article1 ,i 
g5]ally      sympa?ise1 b n ) !         
unqualifi$ homage to      ,wordswor?4 ,a
 retic5ce almo/ inv>iably pres5t is     
fatal      9 my eyes to ! highe/        
pret5sions on behalf ( 8      sonnets4  
,retic5ce is b a poor sort ( muse1 nor  

is      t5tativ5ess 7s (t5 to be trac$ 9
 8 "w7 a good      accompanim5t 9 music4
 ,take ! sonnet on ,t\ssa9t             
,l',ouv]ture 79 my op9ion 8 noble/1 & v 
noble      inde$7 & /udy 7f ,ma9's note7
 ! lame & fumbl+      *anges made 9     
v>i\s editions ( ! e>ly l9es1 :i*       
rema9 lame 9 ! end4 ,f> worse ?an ?is1  
/udy !      relation ( ! clos+ l9es ( 8 
fam\s sonnet ,!      ,_w is too mu* ) u1
 etc41 to a passage 9 ,sp5s]1      & say
 :e!r plagi>ism 0 ev] m impud5t or      
manife/ 7aga9 ,i d]ive f ,ma9's excell5t
 exposition (      ! po9t71 & !n consid]
 :e!r a b>d 0 likely to      d ?is once 
& yet n to d x (t54 ,prim>y vital       
impulse 0 surely n fully develop$ 9 8   
muse4       ,i w v5ture to say t ,i wi% 
my si/]'s sonnet "w      _h met ) :at ,i
 consid] ! ju/ice due to x4 ,besides    
! unsurpass$ quality 79 my op9ion7 ( h] 
be/ sonnets1      my si/] has prov$ h]  
poetic importance by solid &      noble 
inv5tive "w ( _m k9ds1 :i* ,i %\ld be   
pr\d      inde$ to reckon among my      

life's claims4       ,i h a great       
weakness myself = _m ( ,t5nyson-,turn]'s
      sonnets1 ?\gh ( c\rse :at ,mr4    
,noble says ( !m is 9      ! ma9 true1 &
 he has c]ta9ly quot$ ! v f9e/      "o1 
:i* has a m f]v5t appeal = me ?an ,i    
c\ld      easily d]ive f ,wordswor? 9   
almo/ any case4       ,w y give my ?anks
 to ,mr4 ,noble = 8 frank &             
outspok5 praise8       ,let me he> ( y\r
 do+s & int5tions4       ,ev] s9c]ely   
y\rs4   ,?ree names notably omitt$ 9 !  
article are ^? ( ,dobell1 ,w4 ,b4       
,scott1 & ,sw9burne4  ,! allusion 9 !   
=ego+ lett] to ! "w on ! ,sonnet :i* ,i 
0 aim+ to supply1 be>s ref]5ce to !     
an?ology subsequ5tly publi%$ "u ! title 
( ,sonnets ( ,?ree ,c5turies4 ,my fir/  
idea 0 simply to write a survey ( ! art 
& hi/ory ( ! sonnet1 pr9t+ only su*     
examples z might be embrac$ by my       
critical comm5ts4 ,rossetti's g5]\s     
sympa?y 0 w>mly engag$ 9 ?is ent]prise4 
,x w\ld really w>m me up mu* he writes  
to "k (      y\r edit+ a sonnet book ,y 

w\ld h my be/      coop]ation z to      
sugge/+ examples1 b ,i c]ta9ly ?9k      
t ,engli% sonnets 7orig9al &            
exceptionally translat$      ones1 !    
latt] only p]haps7 %\ld be ! sole s*eme4
      ,curi\sly en\gh1 "s "o wrote me ! 
o!r day z to a      project$ s]ies (    
liv+ sonnete]s 7o!r collections      be+
 only ( ^? prec$+ our "t74 ,i h half    
committ$ myself to contribut+1 b n      
altoge!r z yet4      ,! "n ( !          
projector1 ,s4 ,wadd+ton1 is new to me1 
&      ,i don't "k :o is to publi%4444  
,really y ought to d      ! sonnet-book 
y aspire to d4 ,i "k b ( "o ,london     
critic 7,!odore ,watts7 :om ,i %\ld     
consid] ! lead+      man = su* a        
purpose1 & ,i h tri$ to incite him to x 
s (t5 t ,i "k n[ he won't d x2 b ,i h   
always      meant a complete s]ies 9 :i*
 ! dead poets mu/1 (      c\rse1        
pr$om9ate4 ,z to a s]ies ( ! liv+ only1 
,i      told y ( a ,mr4 ,wadd+ton :o    
seems engag$ on su* a      supplem5t>y  
s*eme4 ,:at 8 gifts = x may be ,i "k    

n1 b ,i suppose he kn[s x is 9          
requisition4 ,h[ev]1      !re ne$ n be b
 "o su* if y felt y\r h& 9 =      x4 ,8 
view happ5s to be also 7z y sugge/7 ab\t
 #afj      sonnets4 ,9 reply to y\r     
qu]y1 ,i c]ta9ly ?9k !re      mu/ be #bj
 liv+ writ]s 7male & female--my si/] a  
lead]1 ,i consid]7 :o h writt5 good     
sonnets su* z      w\ld af=d an int]e/+ 
& repres5tative selection1      ?\gh    
assur$ly n su* z w\ld all take ! rank ( 
classics by any means4 ,! numb] (       
sonnets n[ extant1      writt5 by poets 
:o did n exi/ z su* a doz5 ye>s         
ago1 ,i believe to be almo/ inf9ite1 & 9
 suffici5tly      num]\s in/ances good1 
h[ev] d]ivative4 ,"o y\ng]      poet    
among !m1 ,philip ,m>/on1 has writt5 _m 
sonnets      :i* yield to few or none by
 any poet :atev]2 b he has      pr9t$   
su* a l>ge numb] 9 ! aggregate1 & s     
unequal      "o ) ! o!r1 t ! great ones 
are n to be f\nd      by op5+ at r&om4  
8,h[ are !y 7! poets7 to be             
approa*$8--0 y innoc5tly ask4 ,ye       

heav5s6 h[ does !      cat's-meat-man   
approa* ,grimalk98--& :at is t          
relation 9 life :5 comp>$ to ! rapport  
e/abli%$      betwe5 ! liv+ b>d & !     
fell[-creature :o is      dispos$ to    
cat] to 8 cat]waul+ appetite =          
publicity8 ,h[ev]1 to be s]i\s1 ,i mu/  
at lea/ exon]ate      ! b>d1 ,i am sure1
 f any desire to appropriate an         
8int]e/ 9 ! proce$s40 ,!re are "s1 ,i   
feel c]ta91      to :om ! collector     
might say ) a w9k1 8,:at are y      go+ 
to /&80  ,i d n myself ?9k t a          
collection ( sonnets ins]t$ at int]vals 
9 an essay is a good =m = ! purpose4    
,su* a book is f "o *ief po9t a book (  
in/antane\s ref]5ce1--x w\ld only1      
p]haps1 be read ?r\gh once 9 a lifetime4
 ,= ?is purpose a well-index$ curr5t    
s]ies is be/1 ) any desirable essay     
prefix$ & notes affix$4444 ,i once      
conceiv$ ( a s]ies1 to be entitl$1  c5t]
  ,,! ,,engli% ,,ca/aly3 ,a             
,,qu9tess5ce3  ,,be+ ,a ,,collection ,,(
 ,,all ,,t ,,is ,,be/ ,,9 ,,all ,,engli%

 ,,poets1  ,,except+ ,,works ,,( ,,great
 ,,l5g?4  _/c5t]  ,i /ill ?9k ?is a good
 idea1 b1 ( c\rse1 x w\ld be an ext5sive
 und]tak+4  ,lat] on1 he wrote3       ,i
 h ?\ght ( a title = y\r book4 ,:at ?9k 
y (      ?is8  c5t]  ,a ,,sonnet        
,,sequ5ce  ,,f ,,eld] ,,to ,,mod]n ,,"w1
  ,,) ,,fifty ,,hi!rto ,,unpr9t$        
,,sonnets ,,by  ,,liv+ ,,writ]s4  _/c5t]
       ,t w\ld n be amiss4 ,tell me if y
 ?9k ( us+ !      title ,a ,sonnet      
,sequ5ce1 z o!rwise ,i might use x 9    
! ,h\se ( ,life4444 ,:at d y ?9k ( ?is  
alt]native title3  c5t]  ,,! ,,engli%   
,,sonnet ,,muse  ,,f ,,elizabe?',s      
,,reign ,,to ,,victoria',s4  _/c5t]     
,i ?9k ,ca/alia mu* too euphui/ic1 &    
?\gh ,i      %\ldn't l ! book to be     
call$ simply /ill ,i h a      great     
prejudice aga9/ v florid titles = su*   
ga!r+s4 ,treasury has be5 sadly run ^u4 
,i did n l ,sonnet ,sequ5ce = su* a     
collection1 & rel9qui%$ ! title2        
moreov]1 ,i _h _h f ! fir/ a cle>ly     
def9$ s*eme 9 m9d1 c>ry+ its own        

inevitable title1 :i* 0 9 due c\rse     
adopt$4 ,i may "h rem>k t ,i nev] resi/$
 any idea ( ,rossetti's at ! mom5t ( its
 inception1 s9ce resi/ance only l$ to a 
tempor>y outbur/ ( self-ass]tion on 8   
"p4 ,he 0 a man ( s mu*                 
impulse1--impulse (t5 z viol5t z        
lawless--t to oppose him m]ely provok$  
ang] to no good purpose1 = z (t5 z n !  
position at fir/ adopt$ ) s mu*         
p]t9acity 0 aft]w>ds sil5tly ab&on$1 &  
y\r own aims quietly acquiesc$ 94 ,on   
?is subject ( a title he wrote a fur!r  
lett]1 :i* is int]e/+ f m ?an "o po9t ( 
view3       ,i don't l ,g>l& at all ,c4 
,patmore collect$ a      ,*ildr5's      
,g>l&4 ,i ?9k  c5t]  ,,engli%           
,,sonnet',s  ,,pres5t ,,& ,,pa/1        
,,)--,,etc41  _/c5t]       w\ld be a    
good title4 ,i ?9k ,i pref] ,pres5t &   
,pa/1      or ( ! ,p4 & ,p41 to ,new &  
,old = y\r purpose2      b ,i own ,i am 
p>tly influ5c$ by ! fact t ,i h         
settl$ to call my own vol4 ,poems ,new &
 ,old1 & don't      want x to get /al$2 

b ,i really d ?9k ! o!r at      lea/ z  
good = y\r purpose--p]haps m dignifi$4  
,aga91 9 reply to a proposal ( my own1  
he wrote3       ,i ?9k ,sonnets ( !     
,c5tury an excell5t idea &      title4  
,i mu/ say a mass ( ,wordswor? ov] aga91
 l      ,ma9's1 is a little             
di%e>t5+1--/ill ! be/      selection f  
him is :at "o wants4 ,!re is "s book    
call$ ,a ,c5tury ( ,sonnets1 b ?is1 ,i  
suppose1 w\ld      n matt]4444       ,i 
?9k sometimes ( y\r sonnet-book1 & h =m$
      c]ta9 views4 ,i really w\ld n 9   
y\r place include old      "w at all3 x 
w\ld be b a scanty ga!r+1 & ,i feel     
c]ta9 t :at is really 9 requisition is a
 supplem5t      to ,ma91 conta9+ liv+   
writ]s 7pr9t$ & un-pr9t$7      put      
toge!r "u _! au?ors' names 7n sep>ately7
 &      r>e glean+s f ^? m rec5tly dead4
  ,i fe> ,i did n atta* importance to   
?is decision1 = ,i n[ knew my           
correspond5t too well to rely ^u 8 be+  
entirely 9 ! same m9d = long4 ,h5ce ,i 0
 n surpris$ to receive ! foll[+ a day or

 two lat]3       ,i lately _h a         
conv]sation ) ,watts ab\t y\r sonnet-   
book1 & f9d 8 views to be some:at       
diff]5t f :at      ,i _h express$1 & ,i 
may add ,i ?9k n[ he is "r4 ,he         
says !re %\ld be a v c>eful selection ( 
! eld]      sonnets & ( ev]y?+ up to    
pres5t c5tury4 ,i ?9k he      is "r4  ,!
 fact is1 t almo/ f ! fir/ ,i _h tak5 a 
view simil> to ,mr4 ,watts's z to !     
design ( my book1 & _h det]m9$ to call !
 an?ology by ! title x n[ be>s4 ,on "o  
occasion1 h[ev]1 ,i act$ r )\t judgm5t 9
 s5d+ ,rossetti a synopsis ( c]ta9      
critical te/s =mulat$ by ,mr4 ,watts 9 a
 lett] ( great p[] & value4  ,9 ! lett] 
9 "q ,mr4 ,watts seem$ to be sett+      
himself to confute "s extremely         
ill-consid]$ rem>ks made 9 a c]ta9 qu>t]
 ^u ! /ructure ( ! sonnet1 :]e 7foll[+  
,macaulay7 ! critic says t !re exi/s no 
good reason = requir+ t ev5 !           
conv5tional limit z to l5g? %\ld be     
obs]v$1 & t ! only use 9 art ( !        
legitimate model is to 8supply a poet ) 

some?+ to d :5 8 inv5tion fails40 ,i    
confess to hav+ felt no little amazem5t 
t "o s devoid ( a p]ception ( ! true    
function ( ! sonnet %\ld h be5 consid]$ 
a prop] p]son to introduce a great      
sonnet-writ]2 & ,mr4 ,watts 7:o1 h[ev]1 
made no m5tion ( ! writ]7 cle>ly        
demon/rat$ t ! true sonnet has !        
f\ndation ( its /ructure 9 a fix$       
metrical law1 & h5ce1 t z x is          
impossible 7z ,keats f\nd out = himself7
 to improve ^u ! accept$ =m1 t          
model--kn[n z ! ,petr>*ian--%\ld1 )     
little or no v>iation1 be work$ ^u4     
,rossetti took fire1 h[ev]1 f a mi/ak5  
notion t ,mr4 ,watts's canons1 z giv5 9 
! lett] 9 "q1 & m]ely report$ by me1 7  
mu* m inflexible ?an !y really prov$4   
,sonnets ( m9e c\ld n appe> 9 any book  
:i*      conta9$ su* rigid rules z to   
rhyme1 z are conta9$ 9      ,watts's    
lett]4 ,i nei!r foll[ !m1 nor agree ) !m
      z reg>ds ! ,engli% language4 ,e   
sonnet-writ] %\ld      %[ full          
capability ( con=m+ to !m 9 _m          

in/ances1 b nev] to deviate f !m 9      
,engli% mu/      p9ion bo? ?\ght &      
diction1 &1 7ma/]y once prov$7      a   
s]ies ga9s r ?an loses by su* v>ieties z
 d n      less5 ! only absolute aim--t (
 beauty4 ,! ,engli%      sonnet too mu* 
tamp]$ ) becomes a sort ( ba/>d         
madrigal4 ,too mu*1 inv>iably re/rict$1 
x deg5]ates      into a ,%ibbole?4      
,dante's sonnets 79 reply to y\r "q--n z
 "p (      ! above po9t7 v>y 9          
arrangem5t4 ,i nev] = a mom5t      ?\ght
 ( foll[+ 9 my book ! rhymes ( ea*      
individual sonnet4       ,if sonnets (  
m9e rema9 admissible1 ,i %\ld pref]     
pr9t+ ! two ,on ,cass&ra to ,! ,mono*ord
 & ,w9e      ( ,circe4       ,i w\ld n  
be too anxi\s1 7 ,i y1 ab\t any?+ 9     
*oice ( sonnets except ! bra9s & !      
music4  ,aga9 he wrote3       ,i talk$  
to ,watts ab\t 8 lett]4 ,he seems to    
agree )      me z to advisable v>iation 
( =m 9 pref]5ce to      transmut+       
valuable ?\ght4 ,x w\ld n be afc all    
f\nd      t my be/ sonnets are always 9 

! m]e =m :i* ,i      ?9k ! be/4 ,! "q ) 
me is regulat$ by :at ,i      h to say4 
,b 9 tru?1 if ,i h a di/9ction z a      
sonnet-writ]1 x is t ,i nev] admit a    
sonnet :i* is      n fully on ! level ( 
e o!r4444 ,aga91 z to ?is      bless$   
"q1 ?\gh no "o ev] took m pleasure 9    
cont9ually us+ ! =m ,i pref] :5 n       
int]f]+      ) ?\ght1 to insi/ on x w\ld
 aft] a c]ta9 po9t be      ru9 to common
 s5se4       ,z to :at y say ( ,! ,"o   
,hope--x is fully equal to      ! v be/ 
( my sonnets1 or ,i %\ld n h w\nd up    
! s]ies ) x4 ,b ! fact is1 :at is       
peculi>      *iefly 9 ! s]ies is1 t     
sc>cely "o is worse ?an      any o!r4 ,y
 h mu* too great a habit ( speak+ ( a   
special octave1 se/ette1 or l9e4        
,conception1 my boy1      fundam5tal    
bra9work1 t is :at makes ! diff]5ce     
9 all art4 ,"w y\r metal z mu* z y l1 b 
fir/      take c>e t x is gold & wor?   
work+4 ,a ,%akspe>ean      sonnet is    
bett] ?an ! mo/ p]fect 9 =m1 because    
,%akspe>e wrote x4       ,z = ,drayton1 

( c\rse 8 "o incomp>able sonnet is !    
,love-,p>t+4 ,t is almo/ ! be/ 9 !      
language1 if      n q4 ,i ?9k ,i h n[   
answ]$ qu]ies1 & x is      late4        
,good-night6  ,rossetti _h some:at      
mi/ak5 ! scope ( ! lett] ref]r$ to1 & :5
 he came to "k exactly :at 0 int5d$1 ,i 
f\nd him 9 w>m agreem5t ) ! views !re9  
tak54 ,i h said at an e>li] /age t      
,rossetti's in/9ct = :at 0 good 9 poetry
 0 unfail+1 :atev] ! value ( 8 op9ions  
on critical pr9ciples1 & h5ce ,i felt   
naturally anxi\s to h ! b5efit ( 8 views
 on c]ta9 ( ! eld] writ]s4 ,he said3    
,i am sorry ,i am no adept 9 eld] sonnet
 lit]ature4 ,_m (      ,donne's are     
rem>kable--no d\bt y glean "s4 ,none (  
,%akspe>e's is m indisp5sable ?an !     
wondr\s "o on      ,la/ 7#abi74 ,h>tley 
,col]idge's f9e/ is            8,if ,i h
 s9n$ 9 act1 ,i may rep5t40       ,!re  
is a f9e "o by ,isaac ,williams1        
evid5tly on !      dea? ( a worldly man1
 & he wrote o!r good ones4 ,to          
return to ! old1 ,i ?9k ,/ill+fleet's   

,to ,williamson      v f9e4444       ,i 
w\ld l to s5d y a li/ ( my special      
fav\rites      among ,%akspe>e's        
sonnets--viz43--       #ae1 #bg1 #bi1   
#cj1 #cf1 #dd1 #de1 #di1 #ej1 #eb1 #ee1 
#ef1 #ei1 #fa1 #fb1      #fd1 #fe1 #ff1 
#fh1 #ga1 #gc1 #gf1 #gg1 #ij1 #ic1 #id1 
#ig1 #ih1 #ii1 #ajb1      #ajg1 #aaj1   
#aaf1 #aag1 #aai1 #abj1 #abc1 #abi1     
#ace1 #acf1 #ach1 #add1      #ade4      
,i made ! selection long ago1 & ( c\rse 
love !m 9      v>y+ degrees4       ,!re 
%\ld be an ess5tial re=m 9 ! pr9t+ (    
,%akspe>e's sonnets4 ,aft] sonnet #abe  
%\ld occur !      words ,end ( ,"p ,i4  
,! c\plet-piece1 numb]$ #abf1      %\ld 
be call$ ,epilogue to ,"p ,i44 ,!n1 be=e
 #abg1      %\ld be pr9t$ ,"p ,,ii4     
,aft] #aeb1 %\ld be put ,end (      ,"p 
,,ii4--& ! two la/ sonnets %\ld be call$
 ,epilogue      to ,"p ,,ii4 ,ab\t ^!   
two la/ ,i h a !ory ( my own4       ,did
 y ev] see ! excell5t rem>ks on ^!      
sonnets 9      my bro!r's ,lives (      
,fam\s ,poets8 ,i ?9k a simple po9t     

he m5tions 7= fir/ "t7 fixes ,pembroke  
cle>ly z !      male fri5d4 ,i am glad y
 l 8 own two f9e sonnets4 ,i      wi% he
 w\ld write m su*4 ,by ! bye1 y speak ) 
great scorn ( ! clos+ c\plet 9 sonnets4 
,i d n      c]ta9ly ?9k t =m ! f9e/1 b  
,i d ?9k ?is      & e v>iety desirable 9
 a s]ies1 & h (t5 us$      x myself4 ,i 
l y\r lett]s on sonnets2 write on all   
po9ts 9 "q4 ,! two la/ ( ,%akspe>e's    
sonnets      seem to me to h a v        
probable 7& r elaborate7      mean+ nev]
 yet attribut$ to !m4 ,"s day1 :5 ,i see
      y1 we w talk x ov]4 ,did y ev] see
 a curi\s book      by "o ,br[n 7,i     
don't mean ,armitage ,br[n7 on          
,%akspe>e's      sonnets8 ,by ! bye1 he 
is n ! s\rce ( my notion z      above1 b
 a matt] ( fact he names helps 9 x4 ,i  
nev]      saw ,massey's book on !       
subject1 b fancy 8 views &      ,br[n's 
are some:at alli$4 ,y %\ld look at :at  
my      bro!r says1 :i* is v concise &  
valuable4 ,i hope ,i      am n omitt+ to
 answ] y 9 any ess5tial po9t1 b my      

writ+-table is a *aos into :i* y\r la/  
lett]s h1      = ! mom5t1 sunk beyond   
recov]y4       ,i consid] ! =ego+1      
p]haps1 ! mo/ valuable (                
,rossetti's lett]s to me4 ,i _c rememb] 
t we ev]      aft]w>ds talk$ ov] ! two  
la/ sonnets ( ,%akspe>e2      if we did 
s1 ! mean+ atta*$ to !m by him did n    
fix itself v def9itely ^u my memory4    
,9 explanation ( my alleg$ dislike ( !  
clos+ c\plet1      ,i may say t a rhym$ 
c\plet at ! close ( a sonnet has      an
 effect ^u my e> simil> to t produc$ by 
!      c\plets at ! ends ( "s ( ! acts (
 ,%akspe>e's      plays1 :i* 7 9 _m     
in/ances int]polat$ by !      actors to 
enable !m to make emphatic exits4       
,i mu/ n[ gr\p toge!r a numb] ( %ort    
notes on      sonnets3       ,i ?9k     
,blanco ,:ite's sonnet difficult to     
ov]rate 9      ?\ght--probably 9 ?is    
respect unsurpassable1 b easy      to   
ov]rate z reg>ds its workman%ip4 ,(     
c\rse !re is      ! "o fatally dis5*ant+
 l9e3            ,:ile fly & leaf &     

insect /ood reveal$4       ,! pov]ty (  
vision :i* c\ld n see at a glance t     
fly & insect 7 "o & ! same1 is1 z y say1
 en\gh      to acc\nt = its be+ !       
writ]'s only sonnet 7!re is      "o m   
h[ev] :i* ,i don't "k74       ,i'll copy
 y ov]page a sonnet :i* ,i consid] a v  
f9e      "o1 b :i* may be said to be q  
unkn[n4 ,x is by      ,*>les ,:itehead1 
:o wrote ! v admirable &                
exceptional novel ( ,ri*>d ,savage1     
publi%$ some:]e      ab\t #ahdj4        
,ev5 z yon lamp )9 my vacant room       
,) ardu\s flame disputes ! d\btful      
night1              ,& c ) its          
involunt>y light           ,b lifeless  
?+s t ne> x /& illume2           ,yet   
all ! :ile x do? itself consume1        
,& ere ! sun ha? rea*$ 8 morn+ height   
,) c\ri] beams t greet ! %eph]d's sight1
           ,!re :]e its life arose mu/  
be its tomb3--           ,s wa/es my    
life away1 p]=ce conf9$              ,to
 common ?+s1 a limit to its sph]e1      
,x gleams on wor?less trifles           

undesign'd1              ,) fa9t] ray   
ea* h\r imprison'd "h4           ,alas  
to "k t ! consum+ m9d              ,mu/ 
leave its lamp cold ere ! sun appe>6    
,i am sure y w agree ) me 9 admir+ t4 ,i
 quote      f memory1 & am n sure t ,i h
 giv5 l9e #f q      correctly4444       
,i h j _h ,blanco ,:ite's only o!r      
sonnet 7,on be+      call$ an ,old ,man 
at #ej7 copi$ out = y4 ,i d c]ta9ly     
?9k x ought to g 91 ?\gh no bett] ?an   
s-s1 z y      say4 ,b x is j ab\t z good
 z ! =m] "o1 b =      ! lead+ & spl5did 
?\ght 9 ! latt]4 ,bo? are b             
proseman's diction4       ,!re is a     
sonnet ( ,*as4 ,wells's ,on ,*auc] :i*  
is n      wor?y ( its writ]1 b /ill y   
%\ld h x4 ,x      occurs among "s       
prefatory tributes 9 ,*auc]             
,mod]nis$1 edit$ by ,e4 ,h4 ,home4 ,i   
don't "k h[ y are      to get a copy1 b 
! book is 9 ! ,briti% ,museum ,read+    
,room4 ,! sonnet is sign$ ,c4 ,w4 only4 
,! sonnet by ,wells seem$ to me 9 e     
respect poor1 &      z x 0 no "p ( my   

purpose 7z an admir] ( ,wells7 to       
adv]tise :at ! poet c\ld n d1 ,i        
det]m9$--aga9/      ,rossetti's         
judgm5t--n to pr9t ! sonnet4       ,y   
c]ta9ly1 9 my op9ion1 ought to pr9t     
,wells's sonnet4      ,c]ta9ly no?+ s   
disjo9t$ ev] gave itself ! "n      be=e1
 b x ought to be available = ref]5ce1 & 
,i d      n agree ) y 9 consid]+ x weak 
9 any s5se      except t ( /ructure4    
,!re is a sonnet by ,eb5ez] ,jones1     
beg9n+ 8,i nev]      :olly feel t summ] 
is high10 :i*1 ?\gh v jagg$1      has   
decid$ m]it to w>rant its ins]tion4     
,z = ,t5nyson1 he seems to h giv5 leave 
= a sonnet      to appe> 9 ,ma9's book4 
,:y n 9 y\rs8 ,b ,i h long      ceas$ to
 "k him1 nor is any fri5d ( m9e 9       
communication ) him4444 ,my bro!r has   
writt5 9 8      "t a few sonnets4 ,two (
 !m ,i ?9k v f9e--      especially ! "o 
call$ ,%elley's ,he>t1 :i* he has       
lately work$ ^u aga9 ) imm5se           
advantage4444 ,y d      n tell me f :om 
y h receiv$ sonnets4 ,! reason      :i* 

prev5ts my com+ =w>d1 9 su* a           
difficulty1 )      a new sonnet ( my    
own1 is ?is3--:i* inde$ y h             
probably surmis$3 ,i "k no?+ w\ld       
gratify malevol5ce1      aft] !         
controv]sy :i* ensu$ on y\r lecture1 m  
?an to be able to ass]t1 h[ev] falsely1 
t we _h be5      work+ 9 conc]t all     
along1 t y 7 kn[n to me f      ! fir/1 &
 t y\r advocacy _h no real              
spontaneity4444 ,:5 y fir/ ent]$ on !   
subject1 &      wrote y\r lecture1 y 7 a
 p]fect /rang] to me1 &      t fact     
greatly enhanc$ my pleasure 9 its       
en?usia/ic      tone4 ,i hope s9c]ely t 
we may h fur!r & close                  
opportunities ( int]c\rse1 b %\ld l     
:atev] y      may write ( me to come f !
 old s\rce ( intellectual      aff9ity  
only4 ,t y %\ld ?9k ! subject wor?y (   
fur!r lab\r is a pleasure to me1 b ,i   
only tru/ x may      n be a disadvantage
 to y\r book 9 unfri5dly eyes1          
p>ticul>ly if t view happ5$ to be !     
propos$      publi%]'s1 9 :i* case ,i   

%\ld mu* pref] t ?is      section ( y\r 
"w 7 )drawn = a m propiti\s             
occasion4444 ,i am v glad ,br[n is      
fur!r+ y\r sonnet-      book--he kn[s s 
_m b>ds4 ,( c\rse if ,i 7 y1 ,i         
%\ld keep an eye on ! m\?s ev5 (        
gift-horses2 b      7 a cr$itable /ud to
 be trott$ out1 ( c\rse ,i %\ld      be 
will+2 z 7 ,i "o among _m1 ! objection  
,i not$      w\ld n exi/4 ,i d n mean = 
a mom5t to say t _m      v f9e sonnets  
might n be obta9$ f poets n yet         
kn[n or n widely kn[n2 b kn[n names w\ld
 be !      ?+s to p>ry ! difficulty4    
,lat] he wrote3       ,z y "k1 ,i want  
to contribute to y\r volume if ,i c d   
s )\t fe> ( ! consequ5ces h9t$ at 9 a   
=m]      lett] z likely to ensue1 s ,i  
n[ enclose a sonnet ( my      own4 ,if y
 are out 9 ,m>* #ahha1 y may be be=e my 
new      edition1 b ,i am gett+ my /ock 
toge!r4 ,n a ^w (      ?is h[ev]1 z x   
mu/n't get into gossip p>agraphs at     
pres5t4 ,! ,h\se ( ,life is n[ a hundr$ 
sonnets--all      lyrics be+ remov$4    

,besides ?is s]ies1 ,i h =ty-five       
sonnets extra4 ,i ?9k1 z y are will+1 ,i
 %all use !      title ,i s5t y--,a     
,sonnet ,sequ5ce4 ,i fancy !            
alt]native title w\ld be brief] & !re=e 
bett] z  c5t]  ,,our ,,sonnet-,,muse    
,,prom ,,elizabe? ,,to ,,victoria       
_/c5t]  ,i c\ld n be mu* conc]n$ ab\t ! 
unwill+ness to give me a new sonnet :i* 
,rossetti at fir/ exhibit$1 = ,i knew   
full well t soon] or lat] ! sonnet w\ld 
come4 ,n t ,i recognis$ 9 him ! fa9te/  
sc9tillation ( ! affectation s common   
among au?ors z to ! publication ( "w4 ,b
 ! fe> ( any appe>ance ( collusion      
betwe5 himself & 8 critics 01 z he said1
 a bugbe> t con/antly haunt$ him4 ,ow+  
to ?is1 a /rang] (t5 /ood a bett] *ance 
( secur+ 8 ready & op5 co-op]ation ?an !
 mo/ intimate ( fri5ds4 ,i frequ5tly    
yield$ to 8 desire t 9 any?+ t ,i might 
write 8 "n %\ld n be m5tion$--too       
frequ5tly by f>1 to my inf9ite vexation 
at ! "t1 & n[ to my deep & in]adicable  
regret4 ,! sonnet-book out ( :i* arose  

mu* ( ! correspond5ce pr9t$ 9 ?is *apt]1
 conta9s 9 its preface & notes h>dly an 
allusion to him1 & yet he 01 9 my       
judgm5t1 out ( all rea* & sight1 !      
greate/ sonnet-writ] ( 8 "t4 ,! sonnet  
fir/ s5t 0 ,pride ( ,y\?1 b z ?is =m$ "p
 ( ,! ,h\se ( ,life s]ies1 x 0 )drawn1 &
 ,raleigh's ,cell 9 ! ,t[] 0 sub/itut$  
,! foll[+ hi!rto unpubli%$ sonnet 0 also
 contribut$ b )drawn at ! la/ mom5t1    
because ( its be+ out ( h>mony ) !      
sonnets select$ to accompany x3         
,,on ,,c]ta9 ,,elizabe?an ,,revivals4   
,o ruff-emba/ion$ va/ ,elizabe?1        
,bu% to ^! bu%el-belli$ casks ( w9e1    
,home-gr[?1 #8tis true1 b rank z        
turp5t9e1--           ,:at w\ld we ) su*
 skittle-plays at dea?            ,say1 
mu/ we wat* ^! brawl]s' br&i%$ la!1     
,or to _! reek+ wit our e>s incl9e1     
,because all ,ca/aly fl[$ cry/all9e     
,9 g5tle ,%akspe>e's modulat$ brea?6    
,:at6 mu/ our drama ) ! rat-pit vie1    
,nor ! sc5e close :ile "o is left to    
kill6                 ,%all ?is be      

poetry  ,& ?\--?\--man                  
,( blood1 ?\ cannibalic ,caliban1       
,:at %all be said to !e8--a poet8--,fie6
              8,an hon\rable murd]]1 if 
y w0       ,i m5tion$ to y he says      
,william ,davies1 au?or (      ,songs ( 
a ,wayf>] 7by ! bye1 ano!r man has s9ce 
adopt$ 8 title74 ,he has _m excell5t    
sonnets1 & is a      valu$ fri5d ( m9e4 
,i %all s5d y1 on 8 behalf1 a      copy 
( ! book = selection ( :at y may        
please4444 ,x      is v unequal1 b ! be/
 truly excell5t4 ,! sonnets      are    
num]\s1 & "s good1 ?\gh ! be/ "w 9 !    
book is n among !m4 ,!re are two        
poems--,! ,g>d51      & ano!r call$1 ,i 
?9k1 ,on a dri$-up ,spr+1 :i*      are  
wor?y ( ! mo/ fa/idi\s collections4 ,_m 
( !      poems are unnam$1 & ! :ole has 
too mu* ( a ,h]rick      air4 4 4 4     
,x is q refre%+ to f9d y s pleas$ ) my  
good      fri5d ,davies's book1 & ,i wi%
 he 7 9 ,london1 z ,i      w\ld h %[n   
him :at y say1 :i* ,i "k w\ld h         
giv5 him pleasure4 ,he is a man :o      

suff]s mu* f moods      ( depression1 9 
spite ( 8 philosophic nature4 ,i h      
m>k$ fifty pieces ( diff]5t k9ds ?r\gh\t
 8 book1      & ( ^! tw5ty-n9e are      
sonnets4 ,_h ^? fifty be5      alone    
pr9t$1 ,davies w\ld n[ be rememb]$ & n  
=gott53 b all poets n[-a-days are       
r$undant except      ,t5nyson4 444      
,i am ?is ev5+ writ+ to ,davies1 :o is 9
 ,rome1 &      c\ld n resi/ enclos+ :at 
y say1 ) s mu*      exp]im5tal          
appreciativ5ess ( 8 book1 & ( 8         
int5tion to fill x ) moral sun%9e4 ,i am
 sure he #8ll      s5d a new sonnet if  
he has "o1 b ,i fancy 8 b>dic day       
is ov]4 ,i %\ld ?9k he 0 probably n     
subject to      melan*oly :5 he wrote ! 
,wayf>]4 ,h[ev]1 he tells      me t 8   
spirits h improv$ 9 ,italy4 ,"o o!r     
little      book ( ,h]rickian v]se he   
has writt51 call$ ,!      ,%eph]d6s     
,g>d51 b !re are no sonnets 9 x4        
,besides      ?is1 he publi%$ a volume  
conta9+ a record ( travel (      a v    
int]e/+ k9d1 & call$ ,! ,pilgrimage ( ! 

,tib]4 ,?is is well kn[n4 ,x is         
illu/rat$1 _m ( !      draw+s be+ by    
himself1 = he is q z mu* pa9t]      z   
poet4 ,he also wrote 9 ,! ,qu>t]ly      
,review an article      on ! sonnet 7,i 
%\ld ?9k ab\t #ahgj or s71 &1 a         
little lat]1 "o :i* rais$ great wra?1 on
 ! ,engli%      ,s*ool ( ,pa9t+4 ,^! ,i 
h n se54 ,he 8lacks      advancem5t10   
h[ev]2 hav+ f]tile p[]s & little        
opportunity1 & be+ none ! lucki] 7,i    
?9k7 = a      small indep5d5ce :i* keeps
 (f compulsion to "w1      ?\gh (       
will+ness he has abundance 9 _m         
directions4       ,!re is an admirable b
 totally unkn[n liv+ poet nam$          
,dixon4 ,i w s5d y two small vols1 ( 8  
:i* he gave      me long ago1 b please  
take good c>e ( !m1 & return      !m z  
soon z done )4 ,i value !m highly4 ,i   
=got      till to-day t he _h writt5 any
 sonnets1 b ,i see !re      are ?ree 9  
"o vol4 & "o 9 ano!r4 ,i h m>k$ my      
two fav\rites4 ,he %\ld c]ta9ly be      
repres5t$ 9 y\r      book4 ,if ,i live1 

,i mean to write some?+ ab\t him 9 "s   
qu>t] :5 ,i c4 ,8 f9e/ passages are z   
f9e z any      liv+ man c d4 ,he 0 a    
canon ( ,c>lisle ,ca!dral1 &      at    
pres5t has a liv+ some:]e4 ,if y want$  
to ask him      = an orig9al sonnet1 y  
might m5tion my "n1 &      address him  
at ,c>lisle ) ,please =w>d4 ,( c\rse he 
is a ,rev4       ,y w be sorry to he> t 
,davies has ab&on$ ! hope      ( produc+
 a new sonnet to 8 own satisfaction4 ,i 
h      aga91 h[ev]1 urg$ him to !       
onslaught1 & told him h[      des]v+ y  
are ( 8 ef=ts4       ,sw9burne1 :o is a 
va/ admir] ( my si/]'s1 ?9ks !          
,adv5t p]haps ! noble/ ( all h] poems1 &
 also      specially loves ! ,pass+     
,away4 ,i d n "k t ,i      q agree ) y\r
 decid$ pref]5ce = ! two sonnets      ( 
h]s y signalise1--! ,_w is v f9e1 b !   
o!r1 ,dead be=e ,dea?1 a little         
s5sational = h]4 ,i      ?9k ,aft] ,dea?
 "o ( h] noble/1 & ! "o ,aft]           
,communion4 ,9 my own view1 ! greate/ ( 
all h] poems is      t on ,france aft] !

 siege--,to-,day = ,me4 ,a v            
spl5did piece ( fem99e ascetic passion  
is ,! ,conv5t      ,?re%old4       ,i h 
run ! sonnet y l1 ,/4 ,luke ! ,pa9t]1   
into      a sequ5ce ) two m n yet pr9t$1
 & giv5 !      ?ree a g5]al title ( ,old
 & ,new ,art1 z well z      special     
titles to ea*4 ,i %all annex !m to ,!   
,h\se (      ,life4       ,h y ev] read 
,vaughan8 ,he resembles ,donne a good   
deal      z to qua9tness1 b ) a m       
emotional p]sonality4       ,i h alt]$ !
 la/ l9e ( octave 9 ,lo/ ,days4 ,x      
n[ runs--            8,! undy+ ?roats ( 
,hell1 a?ir/ alway40       ,i always _h 
x 9 my m9d to make a *ange "h1 z !      
9 /&+ 9 ! l9e 9 its =m] read+ cla%$ )   
9 occurr+ 9 ! previ\s l9e4 ,i h done :at
 ,i      ?9k is a prime sonnet on !     
murd]$ ,cz>1 :i* ,i      enclose1 b     
don't %[ x to a s\l4       ,!odore      
,watts is go+ to pr9t a v f9e sonnet ( 8
      own 9 ,! ,a!num4 ,x is ! fir/ v]se
 he ev] put 9      pr9t1 ?\gh he wrote  
mu* 7:5 a v "y man74 ,tell me      h[ y 

l x4 ,i ?9k he is de/9$ to %9e 9 t      
class ( poetry4       ,i knew y mu/ l   
,watts's sonnets4 ,!y are spl5did       
affairs4 ,i am n sure t ,i agree ) y 9  
lik+ !      fir/ ! bett] ( ! two3 !     
second 7,natura ,maligna7      is p]haps
 ! deep] & f9]4 ,i h ask$ ,watts to give
      y a new sonnet1 & ,i ?9k p]haps he
 w d s1 or at      all ev5ts give y     
p]mission to use ^? he has pr9t$4       
,he has j come into ! room1 & says he   
w\ld l to      he> f y on ! subject4    
,f "o r jocul> s5t5ce 9 y\r note ,i     
judge y      may include "s sonnets (   
y\r own4 ,i see no possible      reason 
:y y %\ld n4 ,y are really n[1 at y\r   
highe/1 among our be/ sonnet-writ]s1 & h
 writt5 two      or ?ree sonnets t yield
 to few or none :atev]4 ,i am      =c$1 
h[ev]1 to reque/ t y w n put 9 ! "o     
ref]r+ to myself1 f my con/ant bugbe> ( 
any      appe>ance ( collusion4 ,t      
sonnet is a v f9e "o--my      bro!r 0   
%[+ x me aga9 ! o!r day4 ,x is n my     
p]sonal gratification alone1 ?\gh t is  

deep1 because ,i      "k y are s9c]e1   
:i* leads me to ! conclusion t      x is
 y\r be/1 & v f9e inde$4 ,i ?9k y\r     
,cumb]l& sonnet admirable4 ,! sonnet on 
,byron is      extremely musical 9 fl[ &
 ! symbolic sc5]y (      exceptional    
excell5ce4 ,! view tak5 is ! "q )       
me4 ,byron's vehem5t directness1 at its 
be/1 is a la/+      lesson3 &1 dubi\s   
monum5t z ,don ,juan may be1 x      t[]s
 ov] ! c5tury4 ,( c\rse !re is tru? 9   
:at      y say2 b ought x to be ! case8 
& is x ! case      9 any absolute s5se8 
,y deal frankly ) y\r sonnets1      & d 
n %r9k f radical *ange4 ,i ?9k t on     
,oliv] mu* bett] ?an :5 ,i saw x be=e4  
,! op5+      phrases ( bo? octave &     
se/ette are v f9e2 b !      second      
quatra9 & ! second t]z9a1 ?\gh ) a      
quality ( beauty1 bo? seem some:at to   
lack di/9ctness4      ,! ^w riv]s _c be 
us$ ) elision--! v is a      h>d pebble 
9 ! fl[1 & s are ! clos+ consonants4    
,y mu/ put up ) /reams if y keep ! l9e4 
,y %\ld h ,bailey's d$icatory sonnet 9  

,fe/us4       ,i am enclos+ a f9e sonnet
 by ,william ,bell ,scott1 :i* ,i       
wi%$ him to let me s5d y = y\r book4 ,x 
has n yet      be5 pr9t$4 ,i ?9k ,i he>d
 ( "s little *affy matt]      betwe5 him
 & y1 b1 d\btless1 y h virtually        
=gott5 all ab\t x4 ,i mu/ say frankly t 
,i ?9k !      day :5 y made ! spee* he  
told me ( mu/ h be5      r a wool-ga!r+ 
"o ) y4444 ,i suppose y "k      t ,scott
 has writt5 a numb] ( f9e sonnets       
conta9$ 9      8 vol ( ,poems publi%$   
ab\t #ahge1 ,i ?9k4       ,i direct$ !  
att5tion ( ,mr4 ,wadd+ton 7:om1 h[ev]1  
,i      don't "k p]sonally7 to a mo/    
noble sonnet by ,fanny      ,kemble1    
beg9n+1 8,art ?\ already we>y ( ! way80 
,he      has put x 91 & sev]al o!rs (   
h]s1 b %e is v      unequal1 & ,i don't 
"k if ! o!rs %\ld be !re1 b      y %\ld 
take ! "o 9 "q4 ,x sadly wants new      
punctuation1 be+ vilely pr9t$ j z ,i    
fir/ saw x      :5 a boy 9 "s twop5ny   
edition4       ,9 a memoir ( ,gil*ri/1  
app5d$ n[ by 8 wid[ to !      ,life (   

,blake1 !re is a sonnet by ,g41 p]haps  
int]e/+ en\gh1 z be+ exceptional1 = y to
 ask =      x2 b ,i don't advise y1 if y
 don't ?9k x wor?4       ,i h receiv$ f 
,mrs4 ,meynell1 a si/] ( ,eliz4         
,?ompson1 ! pa9t]1 a mo/ g5u9e little   
book ( poems      conta9+ "s sonnets (  
true spiritual beauty4 ,i mu/      s5d x
 y4       ,?is book _h j !n be5         
introduc$ to ,rossetti )      mu* w>m? (
 praise by ,mr4 ,watts1 & he took to x  
va/ly4  ,?is closes ,rossetti's int]e/+ 
lett]s on sonnet lit]ature4 ,9 repr9t+ 8
 fir/ volume ( ,poems he _h det]m9$ to  
remove ! sonnets ( ,! ,h\se ( ,life to !
 new volume ( ,ballads & ,sonnets1 &    
fill ! space ) ! fragm5t ( a poem writt5
 9 y\?1 & n[ call$ ,! ,bride's ,prelude4
 ,he s5t me a pro(4 ,! read] w rememb] t
 z a n>rative fragm5t x is less         
rem>kable = /rik+ incid5t 7?\gh nev]    
fail+ ( int]e/ & picturesqu5ess7 ?an = a
 sl[ & psy*ical developm5t :i*          
ultimately ga9$ a great hold ( !        
sympa?ies4 ,! poem leaves beh9d x a s5se

 z ( a sultry day4 ,judg+ fir/ ( its    
m]its z a song 7us+ ! ^w 9 its broad &  
simple s5se71 ! poem fl[s on ! tongue ) 
unbrok5 sweetness & ) a v>iety ( cad5ce 
& light & %ade ( melody :i* might admit 
( its pursu+ its me&]+s ?r\gh five times
 its less ?an #ej pages1 & /ill keep+   
"o's s5ses awake to ! con/antly recurr+ 
adv5t ( new & pleas+ lit]>y =ms4 ,! /ory
 is a /rik+ "o1 ) a great weal? ( highly
 effective incid5t1--notably ! episode (
 ! c>d-play+1 & ( ! fa!r /rik+ d[n !    
sword :i* ,ra\l turns aga9/ ! brea/ ( ! 
bride4 ,almo/ equally memorable are !   
sc5es 9 :i* ! lov] appe>s1 & !          
occasional int]ludes ( incid5t 9 :i*1   
betwe5 ! pauses ( ! n>rative1 !         
bridegroom's ret9ue are he>d sport+ 9 ! 
c\rty>d )\t4  ,! :ole atmosph]e ( ! poem
 is saturat$ 9 a m$ievalism ( _s to :i* 
no lapse ( mod]nism does viol5ce1 & !   
spell ( romance :i* comes ) t atmosph]e 
( ! middle ages is nev] brok51 b pres]v$
 9 ! m9ute/ mo/ matt]-(-fact details1   
su* z ! b[l ( wat] t /ood amid/ fl[]s1 &

 9 :i* ! si/] ,amelotte 8slid a cup0 &  
(f]$ x to ,aloyse to dr9k4 ,b ! "o great
 *>m ( ! poem lies 9 its subtle & mo/   
p[]ful psy*ical analysis1 se5 =e%ad[$ 9 
! fir/ m5tion ( ! bride sitt+ 9 ! %ade1 
b fir/ felt /rongly :5 %e begs h] si/]  
to pray1 & aga9 :5 %e tells h[1 at      
,god's h9t1 %e _h :isp]$ some?+ ( ! :ole
 tale to h] si/] :o slept  ,! dread     
introspection pictur$ aft] ! s9 is 9 !  
highe/ degree tragic1 & affects "o l    
remorse 9 its rel5tlessness1 al?\gh less
 remorse ?an fe> ( discov]y4 ,! sickness
 ( ! foll[+ condition1 ) its ye>n+s1    
long+s1 dizz9ess1 is v nobly done1 &    
delicate z is ! !me1 & dem&+ a t\* (    
un]r+ /r5g?1 yet lightness1 ! "p ( !    
poem conc]n$ ) x conta9s c]ta9 ( ! mo/  
beautiful & /irr+ ?+s4 ,! madness 7= x  
is n less ?an su*7 9 :i* at ! sea-side1 
believ+ ,urscelyn to be lo/1 ! bride    
tells ! :ole tale1 :il/ h] curse laugh$ 
)9 h] to see ! amazem5t & ang] ( h]     
bro!rs & ( h] fa!r1 is d\btless true    
en\gh to ! fr5zi$ /ate ( h] m9d2 b my   

sympa?ies g out less to t "p ( ! poem   
?an to ! subsequ5t "p1 9 :i* ! bride-"m 
is describ$ z lean+ along 9 ?\ght aft]  
h] *ild1 till te>s1 n l a w$d$ girl's1  
fall among h] curls4 ,highly dramatic1  
too1 is ! passage 9 :i* %e fe>s to curse
 ! evil m5 ^: evil h&s h tak5 h] *ild1  
le/ f evil lips ! curse %\ld be a       
bless+4  ,! *>act]isation seem$ to be   
highly p[]ful1 &1 s f> z x w5t1 f9ely   
contra/$4 ,i c\ld almo/ h wi%$ t ! love 
= :i* ! bride suff]s s mu* _h be5 m     
dwelt ^u1 & ,urscelyn _h be5 made someh[
 m wor?y ( su* love & sacrifice4 ,! only
 po9t 9 :i* ! poem /ruck me1 aft] mature
 reflection1 z less admirable ?an c]ta9 
o!rs ( ! au?or's1 lay 9 ! circum/ance t 
! n>rative moves sl[ly1 b1 ( c\rse1 x   
%\ld be rememb]$ t ! poem is "o (       
emotion1 n incid5t4 ,!re are mo/ magical
 fla%es ( imag]y 9 ! poem1 notably 9 !  
passage beg9n+       ,h] ?\ght1 long    
/agnant1 /irr$ by spee*1         ,gave  
h] a sick recoil2      ,z1 dip ?y f+]s  
?r\gh ! gre5      ,t masks a pool1 :]e  

!y h be51      ,! nak$ dep? is black    
betwe54  ,rossetti wrote a valuable     
lett] on 8 s*eme = ! completion ( ,!    
,bride's ,prelude3       ,i 0 mu* pleas$
 ) y\r v]dict on ,! ,bride's            
,prelude4 ,i ?9k ! poem is sav$ by its  
picturesqu5ess1      b t o!rwise ! /ory 
up to ! po9t rea*$ is too      purely   
repell5t4 ,i h ! sequel q cle> 9 my m9d1
      & 9 x ! m]e passionate frailty (  
,aloyse's fir/ love      w\ld be foll[$ 
by a true & noble love1 r5d]$           
calamit\s by ,urscelyn1 :o !n 7hav+     
become a p[]ful      soldi] ( =tune7    
solicits ! h& ( ,aloyse4 ,?us !         
horror :i* %e expresses aga9/ him to h] 
si/] on !      bridal morn+ w\ld be     
fully ju/ifi$4 ,( c\rse1 ,aloyse        
w\ld confess h] fault to h] second lov] 
^: love      w\ld1 nev]!less1 endure4 ,!
 poem w\ld ga9 s greatly      by ?is    
sequel t ,i suppose ,i mu/ set to & f9i%
 x      "o day1 old z x is4 ,i suppose x
 w\ld be d\bl$1 b      h>dly m4 ,i hate 
long poems4       ,i q ?9k ! c>d-play+  

passage ! be/ ?+--z a      unit--9 !    
poem3 b y\r op9ion enc\rages my own1 t  
x fails n[h]e ( good mat]ial4 ,x c]ta9ly
 moves sl[ly      z y say1 & ?is is q   
aga9/ ! rule ,i foll[4 ,b      "h 0 no  
life cond5s$ 9 an episode2 b a /ory :i* 
_h necess>ily to be told /ep by /ep1 & a
 situation      :i* _h unavoidably to be
 anatomis$4 ,if x is n      unwor?y to  
appe> ) my be/ ?+s1 t is all ,i hope    
= x4 ,y h pit*$ curi\sly ^u "s ( my     
fav\rite      t\*es1 & v co9cid5tly )   
,watts's views4  ,e>ly 9 #ahha1 he      
wrote3       ,i am writ+ a ballad on !  
dea? ( ,james ,i4 ( ,scots4 ,x      is  
already twice ! l5g? ( ,! ,:ite ,%ip1 & 
has a      good slice /ill to come4 ,x  
is call$ ,! ,k+'s ,trag$y1      & is a  
ripp] ,i c tell y6       ,! o!r day ,i  
got f ,italy a pap] conta9+ a really    
excell5t & exceptional notice ( my      
poems1 writt5 by !      au?or ( a volume
 also s5t me conta9+1 among o!r         
translations f ! ,engli%1 ,j5ny1 ,la/   
,confession1      etc4       ,i h be5   

re-read+1 aft] _m ye>s1 ,keats's ,o?o ! 
,great1 & f9d x a mu* bett] ?+ ?an ,i   
rememb]$1      ?\gh only a draft4       
,i am mu* ex]cis$ z to :at y m5tion z to
 a ,mi*ael      ,scott s*eme (          
,col]idge's4 ,:]e does he speak ( x1 &  
:at is x8 ,x is q new to me2 b curi\sly 
en\gh1 ,i      h a complete s*eme drawn 
up = a ballad1 to be call$      ,mi*ael 
,scott's ,woo+1 n ! "o ,i propos$ beg9n+
      n[--& also h long design$ a       
picture "u ! same      title1 b ( q     
diff]5t motif6 ,allan ,cunn+ham wrote   
a romance call$ ,sir ,mi*ael ,scott1 b  
,i nev] saw x4       ,i h he>d f ,walt] 
,sev]n ab\t a subscription      propos$ 
to erect a grave/one to 8 fa!r beside t 
(      ,keats4 ,i %\ld l y to copy = me 
y\r sonnet on      ,sev]n4 ,i he> x is 9
 ,! ,a!num1 b h n se5      x4 ,i 0 ask$ 
to prep>e an inscription1 :i* ,i s5d y4 
,no?+ w\ld be s good z ,sev]n's own     
words4       ,i /rongly urge y to g on )
 y\r book on !      ,sup]natural4 ,!    
clos+ *apt] %\ld1 ,i ?9k1 be on      !  

weird elem5t 9 its p]fection1 z %[n by  
rec5t      poets 9 ! mess--i4e4 ^? :o   
take any lead4 ,t5nyson      has x      
c]ta9ly "h & !re 9 imag]y1 b !re is no  
great success 9 ! "p x plays ?r\gh 8    
,idylls4 ,!      ,old ,romaunt beats him
 !re4 ,! /ronge/ in/ance ( ?is          
feel+ 9 ,t5nyson t ,i rememb] is 9 a few
 l9es (      ,! ,palace ( ,art3         
,& holl[ brea/s enclos+ he>ts ( flame2  
,& ) dim-frett$ =eheads all             
,on corpses ?ree mon?s old at morn %e   
came              ,t /ood aga9/ ! wall4 
,i won't answ] = ! precise age ( !      
corpses--p]haps ,i      h /al$ !m       
some:at4     ,,*apt] ,,ix4  ,x is 9 !   
nature ( ^! ,recollections t !y %\ld be 
p]sonal1 & x c h>dly occur to any read] 
to compla9 ( !m = be+ t :i* above all   
else !y purport to be4 ,i h hi!rto1     
h[ev]1 be5 consci\s ( a desire 7made    
manife/ to my own m9d by ! "* ( my      
selections f ! lett]s writt5 to me7 to  
imp>t to ?is volume an int]e/ z broad & 
g5]al z may be4 ,b my prim>y purpose is 

n[1 & has be5 f ! fir/1 to af=d ! be/   
view at my comm& ( ,rossetti z a man2 & 
m helpful to su* purpose ?an any numb] (
 critical op9ions1 h[ev] int]e/+1 h (t5 
be5 ^? passages 9 8 lett]s :]e ! writ]  
has got close/ to 8 correspond5t 9      
reveal+ mo/ ( himself4 ,9 ! *apt] ,i am 
n[ ab\t to write ,i mu/ p]=ce set aside 
all limitations ( res]ve if ,i am to    
convey su* an idea ( ,rossetti's la/    
days z fills my m9d2 ,i mu/ be cont5t to
 speak almo/ exclusively ( my p]sonal   
relations to him1 to ! en=c$ neglect ( !
 m intimate relations ( o!rs4  ,ab\t six
 mon?s aft] my fir/ visit1 ,rossetti    
invit$ me to sp5d a week ) him at 8     
h\se1 & ?is ,i 0 glad to be able to d4  
,i f\nd him 9 _m important p>ticul>s a  
*ang$ man4 ,8 complexion 0 bright] ?an  
be=e1 & ?is circum/ance tak5 alone might
 h be5 und]/ood to indicate improv$     
bodily heal?1 b 9 actual fact x r d5ot$ 
9 8 case a retrograde physical t5d5cy1 z
 be+ indicative *iefly ( "s rec5t excess
 9 ! use ( 8 p]nici\s drug4 ,he 0       

di/9ctly less incl9$ to corpul5ce1 8    
eyes 7 less bright1 & _h m frequ5tly ?an
 =m]ly ! appe>ance ( gaz+ ^u vacancy1 & 
:5 he walk$ to & fro 9 ! /udio1 z x 0 8 
habit to d at int]vals ( ab\t an h\r1 he
 did s ) a m lab\r$ sidelong motion ?an 
,i _h previ\sly notic$1 z ?\gh ! body   
unconsci\sly lo/ & !n rega9$ "s necess>y
 control & comm& at almo/ e /ep4 ,half  
s5sible1 no d\bt1 ( a r$uc$ condition1  
or guess+ p]haps ! nature ( my          
reflections f a c]ta9 uneas9ess :i* x   
baffl$ my ef=ts to conceal1 he paus$ =  
an in/ant "o ev5+ 9 ! mid/ ( ^!         
melan*oly p]ambulations & ask$ me h[ he 
/ruck me z to heal?4 ,m frankly ?an     
judici\sly ,i answ]$ promptly1 ,less    
well ?an =m]ly4 ,x 0 a luckless rem>k1 =
 ,rossetti's prevail+ wi% at t mom5t 0  
to conceal ev5 f himself 8 l[]$ /ate1 & 
! "t 0 /ill to come :5 he %\ld crave !  
que/ionable sympa?y ( ^? :o said he     
look$ ev5 m ill ?an he felt4 ,j be=e    
?is1 my second visit1 he _h complet$ 8  
,k+'s ,trag$y1 & ,i _h he>d f 8 own lips

 h[ pro/rate ! emotional /ra9 involv$ 9 
! production ( ! poem _h fir/ left him4 
,ca/+ himself n[ on ! c\* 9 an attitude 
indicative ( unusual exhau/ion1 he said 
! ballad _h tak5 mu* out ( him4 8,x 0 z 
?\gh my life ebb$ out ) x10 he said1 & 9
 say+ s mu* ( ! n]v\s t5sion occasion$  
by ! "w 9 "q he did n ov]/ate ! tru? z x
 pres5t$ itself to o!r eyes4 ,"t aft] "t
 :ile ! ballad 0 9 c\rse ( production1  
he _h made ef=t to read x al\d to !     
fri5d to ^: judgm5t 8 poetry 0 always   
submitt$1 b _h z frequ5tly fail$ to d s 
f ! physical impossibility ( re/ra9+ !  
te>s t at e /age well$ up out ( an      
ov]wr\ght nature1 = ! poet nev] exi/$   
p]haps :o1 :ile at "w1 liv$ s vividly 9 
! imag9$ situation4 ,& ! weight ( t "w 0
 /ill ^u him :5 we met aga94 ,8 voice   
seem$ to h lo/ mu* 9 quality1 & 9       
compass too to h dim9i%$3 or if ! volume
 ( s\nd rema9$ ! same1 x appe>$ to h    
retir$ 7s to express x7 inw>ds1 & to    
convey1 :5 he spoke1 ! idea ( a man     
speak+ z mu* to himself z to o!rs4 ,m   

?an ev] n[ ! sc5e ( 8 life lack$ = me "s
 necess>y vitality3 x brea!d an         
atmosph]e ( sorr[3 x 0 l ! dream ( a    
di/emp]$ imag9ation out ( :i* !re came  
no welcome awak5+1 to say x 0 n true4   
,on ! side ( 8 intellectual life        
,rossetti 0 obvi\sly "u less con/ra9t ) 
me ?an ev] be=e4 ,previ\sly he _h seem$ 
to make a consci\s ef=t to speak g5]\sly
 ( all contempor>ies1 & cordially ( e   
fri5d ) :om he 0 br\ght into active     
relations2 & if1 by =ce ( "s /ray       
impulse1 he 0 ev] l$ to say a disp>ag+  
^w ( any "o1 he =?) made a palpable1 &  
sometimes amus+1 ef=t s to oblit]ate !  
injuri\s impression z to convey ! idea t
 he wi%$ x to appe> t he _h n said any?+
 at all4 ,b n[ ?is re/ra9t 0 ?r[n aside4
  ,i p]ceiv$ t ! drug by :i* he 0       
enslav$ caus$ :at ,i may be/ *>act]ise z
 int]mitt5t waves ( morbid suspici\sness
 z to ! good fai? ( e individual1       
includ+ 8 be/1 olde/1 & true/ fri5ds1 z 
to :om ! mo/ inexplicable delusions w\ld
 sudd5ly come1 & z sudd5ly g4 ,he w\ld  

talk 9 ! grave/ & mo/ e>ne/ way ( !     
wrongs he _h suff]$ at ! h&s ( a de>    
fri5d1 & !n ! mom5t 8 eloqu5ce _h drawn 
f me an exclamation ( sympa?y = him1 he 
w\ld turn r\nd & heap ^u ! same         
individual an extravagance ( praise = 8 
fidelity & good fai?4 ,& n[1 he s class$
 8 contempor>ies z to leave no d\bt t he
 0 duly s5sible ( 8 own place among/ !m1
 pres]v+1 meantime1 a dignifi$ retic5ce 
z to ! ext5t ( 8 p]sonal claims4  ,8    
life 0 an ana*ronism4 ,su* a man %\ld h 
_h no deal+s ) ! n9ete5? c5tury3 he     
belong$ to ! sixte5?1 or p]haps !       
?irte5?1 & 9 ,italy n 9 ,engl&4 ,x w\ld1
 nev]!less1 be wrong to say t he 0 :olly
 indiff]5t to important political       
issues1 ( :i* he took (t5 a v judicial  
view4 ,9 dismiss+ fur!r m5tion ( ?is    
second & prolong$ meet+ ) ,rossetti1 x  
only rema9s to me to say 7z a necess>y1 
if /rictly p]sonal1 explanation ( mu* t 
w foll[71 t on ! ev5+ prec$+ my         
dep>ture1 he ask$ me1 9 ! ev5t ( my     
decid+ to come to live 9 ,london1 to    

take up my qu>t]s at 8 h\se4 ,to ?is    
proposal ,i made no reply3 & nei!r 8    
spee* nor my sil5ce ne$s any comm5t1 &  
,i %all (f] none4  ,a mon? or two lat]  
my own heal? gave way1 & !n1 a *ange (  
resid5ce be+ inevitable1 ,rossetti      
repeat$ 8 invitation2 b a ,london       
campaign1 "u su* conditions z 7         
necess>ily entail$ by pit*+ "o's t5t )  
him1 got fur!r & fur!r away1 until ,i   
seem$ to see x ?r\gh ! inv]se end ( a   
telescope :]e( ! slides 7 be+ drawn out1
 out1 e day fur!r & fur!r4 ,i det]m9$ to
 sp5d half a ye> among' ! m\nta9s (     
,cumb]l&1 & w5t up to ! ,vale ( ,/4     
,john4 ,sc>cely _h ,i settl$ !re :5     
,rossetti wrote t he mu/ himself soon   
leave ,london3 t he 0 we>i$ out         
absolutely1 & unable to sleep at night1 
t if he c\ld only rea* t seclud$ vale he
 w\ld brea! a pur] air m5tally z well z 
physically4 ,! mood induc$ by           
contemplation ( ! tranquillity ( my     
retreat ov]-aga9/ ! turmoil &           
di/ractions ( ! city 9 :i*1 ?\gh n (    

:i*1 he 01 add$ to ! deep5+ exhau/ion   
:i* _h already begun :5 ,i left him1 _h 
prevail$ ) him1 he said1 to ask me to   
come d[n to ,london1 & travel back )    
him4 8,suppos+10 he wrote1 8,i 7 to ask 
y to come to t[n 9 a =tnight's "t f     
n[--,i return+ ) y = a :ile into !      
c\ntry--w\ld t be feasible to y80  ,once
 unsettl$ 9 ! environm5ts )9 :i* = ye>s 
he _h mov$ cont5t$ly1 a ?\s& reasons 7  
f\nd = ! contemplat$ /ep1 &             
simultane\sly a ?\s& ob/acles arose to  
imp$e ! execution ( x4 8,!y h at l5g?   
tak5 my g>d510 he said1 8z !y h long    
?reat5$ to d1 & n[ !y are really sett+  
ab\t build+ ^u x4 ,i d n 9 ! lea/ "k :at
 my plans may be40 ,& aga93 8,x seems   
c]ta9 t ,i mu/ leave ?is h\se & seek    
ano!r4 ,is !re any h\se 9 ! neighb\rhood
 ( ! ,vale ( ,/4 ,john ) a l>gi% room "o
 c\ld pa9t 9 7to ,n4 or ,,ne4780 ,! idea
 ( 8 tak+ up 8 p]man5t abode s f> out ( 
! m>ket circle 01 ,i well knew1 j "o (  
^? impracticable notions :i*1 )         
,rossetti1 7 ab&on$ z soon z conceiv$1 s

 ,i 0 n surpris$ to he> f him z foll[s1 
by ! succe$+ po/3 8,9 :at ,i wrote      
ye/]day ,i said some?+ z to a           
possibility ( leav+ t[n1 b ,i n[ p]ceive
 ?is is n practicable at pres5t2 !re=e  
ne$ n tr\ble y to take note ( neighb\r+ 
h\ses40 ,pres5tly he wrote aga93        
8,b$evilm5ts ?ick53 ! g>d5 is pl\gh$ up1
 & ,i #8ve n /irr$ out ( ! h\se = a     
week3 ,i mu/ leave ?is place at once if 
,i am to leave x alive40 99       99 ,x 
is b j to say t1 al?\gh ,rossetti wrote 
?us      peevi%ly ( :at 0 q             
inevitable1--! yield+ up (      8 f9e   
g>d51--he w\ld at o!r times speak ( !   
great      c\rtesy & good-nature (      
,messrs4 ,pemb]ton1 9 all[+      him !  
use ( ! g>d5 aft] x _h be5 sev]$ f !    
prop]ty he hir$4  8,my pres5t purpose is
 to take ano!r h\se 9 ,london4 ,c\ld y n
 come d[n & beat up ag5ts = me8 ,i "k y 
w n d5y me y\r help4 ,i he> ( a h\se at 
,brixton1 ) a g>d5 ( two acres1 & only  
#acj a ye>40 ,9 a day or two ev5 ?is la/
 hope _h prov$ delusive3 8,i f9d ! h\se 

at ,brixton w n d1 & ,i he> ( no?+      
else4444 ,i am anxi\s z to hav+ become  
p]fectly deaf on ! "r side ( my head4   
,p>tial approa*es to ?is h sometimes    
occurr$ to me & pass$ away1 s ,i w n be 
too mu* tr\bl$ at x40 ,a little lat] he 
wrote3 8,n[ my h\sekeep] is leav+ me1 h]
 "m be+ v ill4 ,c y n come to my        
assi/ance8 ,come at once & we w set sail
 9 "o boat40 ,i appe> to h repli$ to ?is
 la/ appeal 9 a tone ( "s little        
scepticism z to 8 rema9+ long 9 ! same  
m9d relative to our mutual h\semat+1 =  
subsequ5tly he says3 8,at ?is writ+ ,i c
 see no likelihood ( my n rema9+ 9 ! m9d
 t1 9 case ( y\r com+ to ,london1 y\r   
qu>t]s %\ld be tak5 up "h4 ,! h\se is   
big en\gh = two1 ev5 if !y meant to be  
/rang]s to ea* o!r4 ,y w\ld h y\r own   
rooms & we %\ld meet j :5 we pleas$4 ,y 
h got a suffici5t inkl+ ( my exceptional
 habits n to be sc>$ by !m4 ,x is true1 
at times my heal? & spirits are v>iable1
 b ,i am sure we %\ld n be squabbl+4    
,h[ev]1 x seems y h no int5tion ( a q   

imm$iate move1 & we c speak f>!r ( x40  
,i readily cons5t$ to d :atev] seem$    
feasible to help him out ( 8            
difficulties1 :i* exi/$1 h[ev]1 z ,i    
p]ceiv$1 mu* m 9 8 own m9d ?an 9 actual 
fact4 ,i ?\ght a brief holiday 9 !      
solitude )9 :i* ,i 0 !n locat$ w\ld     
probably be helpful 9 re/or+ a tranquil 
condition ( m9d1 & z 8 bro!r1 ,mr4      
,scott1 ,mr4 ,watts1 ,mr4 ,%ields1 & o!r
 fri5ds 9 ,london1 7 ( a simil> op9ion1 
ef=ts 7 made to induce him to und]take !
 j\rney :i* he _h be5 ! fir/ to ?9k (4  
,8 olde/ fri5d1 ,mr4 ,madox ,br[n 7^:   
pres5ce w\ld h be5 z valuable n[ z x _h 
prov$ to be on =m] occasions71 0 away at
 ,man*e/]1 & rema9$ !re ?r\gh\t ! "t ( 8
 la/ illness4 ,8 moods at ?is "t 7 too  
v>iable to be reli$ ^u ?ree days toge!r1
 & s ,i f9d him writ+3       ,_m ?anks =
 ! in=mation z to y\r ,%ady ,vale1 :i*  
seems a vision--a di/ant "o1 alas6--(   
,p>adise4 ,p]haps ,i      may rea* x    
yet4444 ,i am n[ ?9k+ ( writ+ ano!r     
ballad-poem to add at ! end ( my volume4

 ,x is romantic1      n hi/orical ,i h a
 cle> s*eme = x & believe y\r      sc5]y
 might help me mu* if ,i c\ld get !re4  
,:5 y      he> t s*eme1 y w1 ,i believe1
 pron\nce x      precisely fitt$ to !   
sc5]y y describe z n[      surr\nd+ y4  
,t sc5]y ,i hope to rea* a little       
lat]1 b meantime %\ld mu* l to see y 9  
,london      & return ) y4  ,! propos$  
ballad 0 to be call$ ,! ,or*>d ,pits & 0
 to be illu/rative ( ! s]p5t fasc9ation 
( beauty1 b x 0 nev] writt54 ,cont5t$ n[
 to await ! issue ( ev5ts1 he proce$$ to
 write on subjects ( g5]al int]e/3      
,keats 7page #aed1 vol4 i41 ( ,h\ghton's
 ,life1 etc47 m5tions      among o!r    
l&scape features ! ,vale ( ,/4 ,john4 ,s
 y      may ?9k ( him 9 ! neighb\rhood z
 well z 7or1 if y      l1 r ?an7        
,wordswor?4       ,i h be5 read+ aga9   
,hogg's ,%elley4 ,s4 appe>s to h        
be5 z mad at ,keswick z ev]y:]e else1 b 
n madd]2--      t he c\ld n compass4    
,at ?is juncture "s unlook$-= hit* 9 !  
arrangem5ts !n p5d+ = ! sale ( !        

,dante's ,dream to ! ,corporation (     
,liv]pool r5d]$ my pres5ce 9 ,london    
inevitable1 & ^u my arrival ,i f\nd t   
,rossetti _h fitt$ out rooms = my       
reception1 al?\gh ,i _h nev] d[n to t   
mom5t f9ally decid$ to avail myself ( an
 (f] :i* ^u its fir/ be+ broa*$1 appe>$ 
to be too "o-sid$ a b>ga9 79 :i* ( c\rse
 ! sacrifice seem$ to be ,rossetti's7 to
 admit ( my ent]ta9+ x4 ,9 ?is way ,i   
drift$ into my position z ,rossetti's   
h\semate4  ,! lett]s & scraps ( notes ,i
 h embodi$ 9 ! =ego+ w probably convey a
 bett] idea ( ,rossetti's native        
irresolution1 z x 0 made manife/ to me 9
 ! e>ly "p ( #ahha1 ?an any ab/ract     
def9ition1 h[ev] fai?ful & exact1 c\ld  
be expect$ to d4 ,irresolution 0        
indubitably 8 mo/ noticeable quality at 
! "t :5 ,i came into active relation )  
him2 & if ,i be all[$ to h any p]ception
 ( "* & any acqua9tance ) ! fundam5tal  
traits t di/+ui% man f man1 ,i %all say 
unhesitat+ly 7?\gh ,i well "k h[ diff]5t
 is ! op9ion ( o!rs7 t irresolution )   

melan*oly lay at ! basis ( 8 nature4 ,i 
h he>d ,mr4 ,sw9burne speak ( a         
*e]fulness ( deportm5t 9 e>ly life1 :i* 
imp>t$ an idea z ( "o :o c\ld n easily  
be depress$4 ,i h he>d ,mr4 ,watts speak
 ( ! days at ,kelmscott ,manor ,h\se1   
:]e he fir/ knew him1 & :]e ,rossetti 0 
! mo/ delightful ( companions4 ,i h he>d
 ,canon ,dixon speak ( a det]m9ation (  
purpose :i* yield$ to no sort ( ob/acle1
 b c>ri$ its po9t by ! %e] vehem5ce )   
:i* x ass]t$ x4 ,i c only say t ,i 0    
witness to nei!r *>act]i/ic4 ,( traits !
 rev]se ( ^!1 ,i 0 con/antly receiv+    
evid5ce2 b let x be rememb]$ t be=e ,i  
jo9$ ,rossetti 7:i* 0 only 9 ! la/ ye> (
 8 life7 9 t intimate relation :i*      
reveal$ to my unwill+ judgm5t e foible &
 infirmity ( "*1 ! :ole nature ( ! man  
_h be5 vitiat$ by an en]vat+ drug4 ,at  
my meet+ ) him ! bright] side ( 8       
temp]am5t _h be5 worn away 9 !          
night-tr\bles ( 8 unre/ful c\*2 & ( t   
ne$ful volition1 :i* e/abli%es = a man !
 "r to rule n o!rs b himself1 only !    

mock]y & inexplicable vag>ies ( temp]   
rema9$4 ,:5 ,i knew him1 ,rossetti 0    
devoid ( resolution4 ,at t mom5t at :i* 
he _h f9ally summon$ up e available &   
imag9able reason = pursu+ any p>ticul>  
c\rse1 8 purpose wav]$ & 8 he>t gave    
way4 ,:5 ,i knew him1 ,rossetti 0       
de/itute ( *e]fulness or cont5t4 ,at t  
in/ant1 at :i* ! wor/ ( 8 %ad[y fe>s _h 
be5 bani%$ by "s =tuit\s occurr5ce t lit
 up ) an unceas+ radiation ( hope e     
prospect ( life1 he conjur$ out ( its v 
brightness fre% cause = fe> & sadness4  
,true1 inde$1 ^! may h be5 no m ?an     
symptoms ( ^? lat] ph5om5a :i* came (   
disease1 & =e%ad[$ dea?4 ,o!r m9ds may  
r$uce to a /atem5t ( cause & effect :at 
,i am cont5t to (f] z fact4  ,^u settl+ 
) ,rossetti 9 ,july #ahha1 ,i p]ceiv$ t 
8 heal? 0 weak]4 ,8 t5d5cy to corpul5ce 
_h entirely disappe>$1 8 feebl5ess ( /ep
 _h become at c]ta9 mom5ts pa9fully     
app>5t1 & 8 temp] occasionally betray$  
signs ( bitt]ness4 ,to myself1          
p]sonally1 he 0 at ?is /age z g5ial z ( 

old1 or if = an in/ant he gave v5t to an
 unprovok$ outbur/ ( wra?1 he w\ld f> m 
?an atone = x by a look ( inexpressible 
remorse & "s feel+ words ( regret1 :]e( 
! import sometimes 0--  ,i wi% y 7 inde$
 my son1 = ?\gh !n ,i %\ld /ill h no "r 
to address y s1 ,i %\ld at lea/ h "s "r 
to expect y\r =giv5ess4  ,9 su* moods ( 
m ?an ne$ful solicitude = "o's acute/   
s5sibilities1 ,rossetti 0 absolutely    
irresi/ible4  ,z ,i h said1 ! occupant (
 ?is great gloomy h\se1 9 :i* ,i _h n[  
become a resid5t1 _h r>ely be5 outside  
its doors = two ye>s2 c]ta9ly nev]      
afoot1 & only 9 c>riages ) 8 fri5ds4 ,^u
 ! second night ( my /ay1 ,i ann\nc$ my 
int5tion ( tak+ a walk on ! ,*elsea     
embankm5t1 & begg$ him to accompany me4 
,to my amazem5t he yield$1 & e night = a
 week foll[+1 ,i succe$$ 9 induc+ him to
 repeat ! n[ unfamili> exp]i5ce4 ,x 0   
obvi\s en\gh to himself t he walk$      
tott]+ly1 ) inf9ite exp5diture (        
physical en]gy1 & return$ 9 a condition 
( exhau/ion t left him pro/rate = an h\r

 aft]w>ds4 ,! root ( all ?is evil 0 soon
 app>5t4 ,he 0 exce$+ ) ! *loral1 &     
little z ,i expect$ or desir$ to ex]cise
 a moral gu>dian%ip ov] ! habits ( ?is  
great man1 ,i f\nd myself ins5sibly     
dropp+ into t (fice4  ,negotiations = ! 
sale ( ! ,liv]pool picture 7 n[         
complete2 ! new volume ( poems & ! alt]$
 edition ( ! old volume _h be5          
satisfactorily pass$ ?r\gh ! press2 & x 
might h be5 expect$ t ) ! anxiety       
occasion$ by ^! ent]prises1 w\ld pass   
away ! melan*oly :i* 9 a nature l       
,rossetti's !y naturally induc$4 ,!     
rev]se 0 ! fact1 ,he became m & m       
depress$ z ea* palpable cause (         
depression 0 remov$1 & m & m liable to  
give way to excess ) ! drug4 ,by 8      
bro!r1 ,mr4 ,watts1 ,mr4 ,%ields1 & o!rs
 :o _h only too frequ5tly 9 times pa/ _h
 exp]i5ce ( simil> outbreaks1 ?is       
failure 9 spirits1 ) all its att5dant   
physical weakness1 0 said to be due     
prim>ily to hypo*ondriasis4 ,h5ce !     
return+ necessity to get him away 7z    

,mr4 ,madox ,br[n _h done at a previ\s  
crisis7 = a *ange ( air & sc5e4 ,once   
out ( ?is atmosph]e ( gloom1 we hop$ t  
amid *e]ful surr\nd+s 8 heal? w\ld      
spe$ily revive4 ,inf9ite 7 ! ef=ts t _h 
to be made1 & c\ntless ! precautions t  
_h to be tak5 be=e he c\ld be induc$ to 
set out1 b at l5g? we f\nd ourselves ^u 
our way to ,keswick1 at n9e p4m41 "o    
ev5+ 9 ,septemb]1 9 a special c>riage   
pack$ ) z _m arti/'s trapp+s & z _m     
books z w\ld h la/$ = a ye>4  ,we rea*$ 
,p5ri? z ! grey ( dawn _h ov]spread !   
sky4 ,x 0 six o'clock z we got into !   
c>riage t 0 to drive u ?r\gh ! vale (   
,/4 ,john to our de/9ation at !         
,legb]?waite end ( x4 ,! morn+ 0 n[     
calm1 ! m\nta9s look$ l(ti]1 gr&]1 & yet
 m ?an ev] precipit\s f ! road t circl$ 
ab\t _! base4 ,no?+ c\ld be he>d b !    
calls ( ! awak5+ cattle1 ! rumble (     
cat>acts f> away1 & ! ru% & surge ( ^? t
 7 ne>4 ,rossetti 0 all b indiff]5t to  
our surr\nd+s1 or display$ only su*     
fitful int]e/ 9 !m z mu/ h be5 affect$  

out ( a k9dly desire to please me4 ,he  
said ! *loral he _h tak5 d>+ ! j\rney 0 
^u him1 & he c\ld n see4 ,at l5g? we    
rea*$ ! h\se t 0 = "s mon?s to be our   
home4 ,x /ood at ! foot ( a ghyll1 :i*1 
:5 swoll5 by ra91 0 maje/ic 9 volume &  
s\nd4 ,! little h\se we _h r5t$ 0 free f
 all noise o!r ?an ! occasional voice ( 
a *ild or b>k ( a dog4 ,"h at lea/ he   
might bury ! memory ( ! di/ractions ( ! 
city t vex$ him4 ,save = ! ripple ( !   
riv] t fl[$ at 8 feet1 ! bleat+ ( %eep  
on ,gold5 ,h[e1 ! e*o ( ! axe ( !       
woodman :o 0 ?9n+ ! neighb\r+ wood1 & ! 
morn+ & ev5+ mail-coa* horn1 he might   
delude himself into =getfulness t he    
belong$ any long] to ?is noisy e>?4     
,next day ,rossetti 0 exceptionally     
well1 & a/\nd$ me by ! proposal t we    
%\ld asc5d ,gold5 ,h[e toge!r--a little 
m\nta9 ( "s #ajjj feet t /&s at ! head (
 ,?irlm]e4 ,) nev] a hope on my "p ( our
 rea*+ ! summit1 we set out = t purpose1
 b ?r\gh no d\bt ! exhil>at+ effect ( ! 
m\nta9 air1 he actually compass$ ! task 

he _h propos$ to himself1 & sat = an h\r
 on t highe/ po9t f :5ce c\ld be se5 !  
,skiddaw range to ! nor?1 ,hav5's ,crag 
to ! we/1 ,/yx ,pass & ,helvellyn to !  
ea/1 & ! ,dunmail ,raise to ! s\?1 ) !  
lake bel[4 ,rossetti 0 /ruck by ! v>iety
 ( configuration 9 ! hills1 & ev5 m by !
 v>iety ( col\r4 ,b he 0 no great lov] (
 l&scape beauty1 & ! maje/ic sc5e be=e u
 produc$ less effect ^u 8 m9d ?an might 
p]haps h be5 expect$4 ,he seem$ to be   
almo/ unconsci\s ( ! unceas+ atmosph]ic 
*anges t p]petually arre/ & />tle4 !    
obs]v] 9 :om love ( ext]nal nature 9 h] 
gr&] moods has n be5 weak5$ by disease4 
,! complete ext5t ( ! ,vale ( ,/4 ,john 
c\ld be trav]s$ by ! eye f ! em95ce ^u  
:i* we sat4 ,! valley ?r\gh\t its       
?ree-mile l5g? is absolutely seclud$3 "o
 has only ! hills = company1 & to say ! 
tru? !y are sometimes fe>ful company    
too4 ,usually ! l&scape we>s a *e]ful   
aspect1 b at times long fleecy cl\ds    
drive midway across ! m\nta9s1 leav+ !  
tops visible4 ,! sc5]y is highly awak5+ 

to ! imag9ation4 ,ev5 ! c\ntry p are    
imag9ative1 & ! c\ntry is full ( gho/ly 
leg5d4 ,i 0 nev] at any mom5t s5sible t 
^! environm5ts affect$ ,rossetti3       
assur$ly !y nev] agitat$ him1 & no ef=t 
did he make to turn !m to acc\nt = !    
purposes ( ! romantic ballad he _h spok5
 ( z likely to gr[ amid/ su* surr\nd+s4 
,be+ mu* m ?an ord9>ily *e]ful dur+ !   
fir/ ev5+s ( our /ay 9 ! ,nor?1 he talk$
 sometimes ( 8 pa/ life & ( ! m5 & wom5 
he _h kn[n 9 e>li] ye>s4 ,c>lyle's      
,rem9isc5ces _h n long be=e be5 publi%$4
 ,mrs4 ,c>lyle1 !re9 s extravagantly    
?\gh naturally belaud$1 he describ$ z a 
bitt] little woman1 )1 h[ev]1 ! "o      
r$eem+ quality ( uno/5tati\s *>ity3 8,! 
poor ( ,*elsea10 he said1 8always spoke 
well ( h]40  8,george ,eliot10 ^: g5ius 
he mu* admir$1 he _h ceas$ to "k long   
be=e h] dea?1 b he spoke ( ! lady z     
mode/ & retir+1 & amiable to a fault :5 
! out] cru/ ( retic5ce _h be5 brok5     
?r\gh4 ,longfell[ _h call$ ^u him :il/  
he 0 pa9t+ ! ,dante's ,dream4 ,! old    

poet 0 ,c\rte\s & complim5t>y 9 ! la/   
degree2 he seem$1 h[ev]1 to "k little or
 no?+ ab\t pa9t+ z an art1 & also to h  
fall5 into ! error ( ?9k+ t ,rossetti ! 
pa9t] & ,sossetti ! poet 7 diff]5t m52 9
 %ort1 t ! ,dante ( t "n 0 ! pa9t]1 & ! 
,william ! poet4 ,^u leav+ ! h\se1      
,longfell[ _h said3 8,i h be5 glad to   
meet y1 & %\ld l to h met y\r bro!r2    
pray1 tell him h[ mu* ,i admire 8       
beautiful poem1 ,! ,bless$ ,damozel0    
,giv+ no h9t ( ! error1 ,rossetti said  
he _h answ]$1 8,i w tell him40 ,he pa9t$
 a little dur+ our /ay 9 ! ,nor?1 = x 0 
:il/ !re t he began ! beautiful replica 
( 8 ,pros]p9a1 n[ ! prop]ty ( ,mr4      
,valpy4 ,i f\nd x "o ( my be/ pleasures 
to wat* a picture gr[+ "u 8 h&1 & ?\ght 
x easy to see ?r\gh ! m$ium ( 8 idealis$
 heads1 cold ev5 9 _! lovel9ess1        
unsub/antial 9 _! passion1 t to ! pa9t] 
life _h be5 a dream into :i* no?+ ent]$ 
t 0 n z impalpable z itself4 ,ta9t$ by !
 t\* ( melan*oly t is ! blight t cl+s to
 ! pure/ beauty1 8 pictur$ faces 71 9 my

 view1 ak9 to 8 poetry1 e l9e ( :i*1 z  
he sometimes recit$ x1 seem$ z ?\gh x   
e*o$ ! burd5 ( a bygone sorr[--! sorr[ (
 a dream r ?an t ( a life1 or ( a life t
 _h be5 itself a dream4 ,i also !n      
realis$ :at ,mr4 ,!odore ,watts has said
 9 a lett] j n[ writt5 to me f ,s>k1 t1 
8ap>t f any "q ( te*nical %ortcom+s1 "o 
( ,rossetti's /ronge/ claims to !       
att5tion ( po/]ity 0 t ( hav+ inv5t$1 9 
! ?ree-qu>t]-l5g? pictures pa9t$ f "o   
face1 a type ( female beauty :i* 0 ak9  
to none o!r1--:i* 0 entirely new1 9     
%ort1--& :i*1 = weal? ( sublime &       
my/]i\s sugge/ion1 unaid$ by complex    
dramatic design1 0 unique 9 ! art ( !   
_w40  ,on "o occasion ! talk turn$ on ! 
ecc5tricities & affectations ( m5 (     
g5ius1 & ,i did my be/ to-ridicule !m   
unsp>+ly1 say+ !y 7 a purely mod]n      
extravagance1 ! highe/ intellects ( o!r 
times be+ ev] ! sane/1 ,%akspe>e1       
,c]vantes1 ,goe!1 ,col]idge1 ,wordswor?2
 ! root ( ! evil _h be5 ,%elley1 :o 0   
mad1 & 9 imitation ( ^: madness1 mod]n  

m5 ( g5ius mu/ _m ( !m be mad also1     
until x _h come to su* a pass-t if a    
gift$ man conduct$ himself ?r\gh\t life 
) probity & propriety we in/antly began 
to d\bt ! value ( 8 gifts4 ,rossetti    
evid5tly ?\ght t 9 all ?is ,i 0 cov]tly 
hitt+ out at himself1 & cut %ort !      
conv]sation ) an unequivocal h9t t he _h
 no affectations1 & c\ld n acc\nt       
himself an au?ority ) respect to !m4  ,)
 su* talk a few ( our ev5+s 7 sp5t1 b   
too soon ! insatiable crav+ = ! drug    
came ) r5ew$ =ce1 & !n all pleasant     
int]c\rse 0 bani%$4 ,night aft] night we
 sat up until elev51 twelve1 & "o       
o'clock1 wat*+ ! long h\rs g by ) heavy 
/eps2 wait+1 wait+1 wait+ = ! "t at :i* 
he c\ld take 8 fir/ draught1 & drop into
 8 pill[$ place & snat* a dreamless     
sleep ( ?ree or f\r h\rs' duration4  ,9 
ord] to break ! monotony ( nights su* z 
,i describe ,i sometimes read f ,field+1
 ,ri*>dson1 & ,/]ne1 b m frequ5tly      
induc$ ,rossetti to recite4 ,?us1 )     
fail+ voice1 he w\ld aga9 & aga9        

attempt1 at my reque/1 8 ,cl\d ,conf9es1
 or passages f ,! ,k+'s ,trag$y1 &      
repeat$ly1 also1 ,poe's ,ulalume &      
,rav54 ,i rememb] t1 t\*+ ! la/-m5tion$ 
( ^! poems1 he rem>k$ t out ( 8 love ( x
 :ile /ill a boy 8 own ,bless$ ,damozel 
orig9at$4 8,i saw10 he said1 8t ,poe _h 
done ! utmo/ x 0 possible to d ) ! grief
 ( ! lov] on e>?1 & s ,i det]m9$ to     
rev]se ! conditions1 & give utt]ance to 
! ye>n+ ( ! lov$ "o 9 heav540 ,at t "t (
 ! ye> ! night clos$ 9 z e>ly z sev5 or 
eight o'clock1 & !n 9 t little h\se     
among ! solit>y hills 8 disconsolate _s 
w\ld sometimes s9k beyond solace into   
irreclaimable dep?s ( depression4  ,x 0 
impossible t su* a condition ( ?+s %\ld 
la/1 & x 0 ) unspeakable relief t ,i    
he>d ,rossetti express a desire to      
return home4 ,mr4 ,watts1 :o at t "t 0  
at ,/rat=d-^u-,avon1 _h promis$ to jo9  
u1 b n[ wrote to say t ?is 0 impossible4
 ,_h x be5 o!rwise1 ,rossetti w\ld      
will+ly h rema9$1 b n[ he long$ to get  
back to ,london4 ,8 life _h lo/ its     

joys4 ,! success ( 8 ,liv]pool picture 0
 almo/ z no?+ to him1 & ! en?usia/ic    
reception giv5 to 8 book gave him n m   
?an a pass+ pleasure1 ?\gh he 0 deeply  
t\*$ by ! sympa!tic & exhau/ive         
criticism publi%$ by ,pr(essor ,d[d5 9  
,! ,academy1 z well z by ,pr(essor      
,colv9's fri5dly monograph 9 ,! ,_w4 ,at
 l5g? "o night1 a mon? aft] our arrival1
 we set out on our return1 & well d ,i  
rememb] ! pa?os ( 8 words z ,i help$ him
 7n[ feebl] ?an ev]7 into 8 h\se4 8,?ank
 ,god6 home at la/1 & nev] %all ,i leave
 x aga960  ,v natural 0 ! deep conc]n ( 
8 fri5ds1 especially ( 8 bro!r & ,mr4   
,%ields1 at f9d+ him return ev5 less    
well ?an he _h set out4 ,) deep]        
reliance on pa/ k ( ! man1 ,mr4 ,watts  
/ill took a hopeful view1 attribut+ !   
physical pro/ration to hypo*ondriasis1  
:i* might1 9 common ) all simil> n]v\s  
ailm5ts1 impose z mu* pa9 ^u ! victim z 
if ! suff]+s compla9$ ( _h a real       
f\ndation 9 positive disease1 b might   
also give way at any mom5t :5 ! victim  

c\ld be induc$ to take a hopeful view ( 
life4 ,! *e]fulness ( ,mr4 ,watts's     
society1 aft] :at ,i well "k mu/ h be5 !
 lugubri\s nature ( my own1 _h at fir/  
its usual salut>y effect ^u ,rossetti's 
spirits1 & ,i w n =be> to say t ,i1 too1
 welcom$ x z a draught ( heal+ morn+ air
 aft] a mon?-long imprisonm5t 9 an      
atmosph]e ( gloom4 ,b ,i 0 n yet fre$ ( 
my *>ge4 ,! s5se ( responsibility :i* 9 
! solitude ( ! m\nta9s _h weigh$ me d[n1
 0 n[ inde$ divid$ ) 8 affectionate     
family & ! fri5ds :o 7 ,rossetti's      
fri5ds be=e !y 7 m9e1 & :o came at ?is  
juncture ) will+ help1 prompt$ *iefly1 (
 c\rse1 by devotion to ! great man 9    
sore tr\ble1 b also--,i mu/ all[ myself 
to ?9k--9 "o or two cases by desire to  
relieve me ( "s ( ! burd5 ( ! task t _h 
fall5 s unexpect$ly ^u me4 ,=emo/ among 
su* dis9t]e/$ fri5ds 0 ( c\rse ! fri5d  
,i h spok5 ( s frequ5tly 9 ^! pages1 & =
 :om ,i n[ felt a gr[+ reg>d aris+ z mu*
 out ( my p]ception ( ! loyalty ( 8     
comrade%ip z ! spl5d\r ( 8 gifts4 ,b    

aft] him 9 solicit\s s]vice to          
,rossetti1 at ?is mom5t ( great ne$1    
came ,fr$]ick ,%ields 7! f9e tissue ( ^:
 highly-/rung nature mu/ h be5 sorely   
tri$ by ! /ra9 to :i* x 0 subject$71    
,mr4 ,w4 ,b4 ,scott1 ^: visits 7 nev] m 
w>mly welcom$ by ,rossetti ?an at ?is   
season1 ! good & gift$ ,miss ,boyd1 & ( 
c\rse ,rossetti's bro!r1 si/]1 & "m1 to 
ea* ( :om he 0 affectionately atta*$4   
,/range en\gh x seem$ t ?is man :o1 =   
ye>s _h %unn$ ! _w & *os5 solitude :5 he
 might h _h society1 seem$ at la/ to gr[
 we>y ( 8 lonel9ess4 ,b s x 04 ,rossetti
 became daily m & m dep5d5t ^u 8 fri5ds 
= company t %\ld n fail him1 = nev] = an
 h\r n[ c\ld he endure to be alone4     
,rememb]+ ?is1 ,i almo/ d\bt if by      
nature he 0 at any "t a solit>y4 ,!re   
are m5 :o feel m deeply ! s5se (        
isolation amid/ ! busie/ cr[ds ?an )9 ! 
n>r[e/ circle ( intimates1 & ,i h he>d f
 ,rossetti rem9isc5ces ( 8 e>li] life t 
l$ me to believe t he 0 "o ( ! numb]4   
,p]haps1 aft] all1 he w&]$ f ! _w r f ! 

dread ?an ) ! hope ( solitude4 ,9 su*   
pleasant int]c\rse z ! visits ( ! fri5ds
 ,i h nam$ af=d$1 0 ! sadness ( ! day 9 
a measure dissipat$1 b :5 night came ,i 
nev] fail$ to realise t no progress     
:atev] _h be5 made4 ,i tri$ to *eck !   
crav+ = *loral1 b ,i c\ld z easily h    
*eck$ ! ris+ tide3 & :]e ! lifelong     
assiduity ( old] fri5ds _h fail$ to     
eradicate a morbid1 ru9\s1 & fatal ?ir/1
 x 0 presumpt\s if n ridicul\s to imag9e
 t ! task c\ld be compass$ by a frail   
creature ) he>t & n]ves ( wax4 ,b ! :ole
 sc5e 0 n[ beg9n+ to h an int]e/ = me m 
p]sonal & m s]i\s ?an ,i h yet giv5 h9t 
(4 ,! con/ant fret & fume ( ?is life (  
baffl$ ef=t1 ( /ruggle ) a deadly drug t
 _h gr[n to h an objective exi/5ce 9 my 
m9d z ! exi/5ce ( a fi5d1 0 n )\t a     
s5sible effect ^u myself4 ,i became ill 
= a few days ) a l[ fev]1 b f> worse ?an
 ?is 0 ! fact t !re 0 creep+ ov] me !   
wild influ5ce ( ,rossetti's own di/emp]$
 imag9+s4  ,once consci\s ( su* influ5ce
 ,i det]m9$ to resi/ x1 b h[ to d s ,i  

knew n )\t fly+ utt]ly away f an        
atmosph]e 9 :i* my be/ s5ses seem$ to   
/agnate1 & bury+ ! memory ( x = ev]4  ,!
 crisis 0 p5d+1 & soon] ?an we expect$ x
 came4 ,a nurse 0 engag$4 ,"o ev5+ ,dr4 
,we/l& ,m>/on & 8 son ,philip ,b\rke    
,m>/on came to sp5d a few h\rs )        
,rossetti1 ,= a :ile he seem$ mu* *e]$  
by _! bright society1 b lat] on he gave 
^? manife/ations ( uneas9ess :i* ,i _h  
le>n$ to "k too well4 ,remov+ re/lessly 
f seat to seat1 he ultimately ?rew      
himself ^u ! s(a 9 t r awkw>d attitude  
:i* ,i h previ\sly describ$ z *>act]i/ic
 ( him 9 mom5ts ( n]v\s agitation4      
,pres5tly he call$ out t 8 arm _h become
 p>alys$1 &1 ^u attempt+ to rise1 t 8   
leg also _h lo/ its p[]4 ,we 7 naturally
 />tl$1 b kn[+ ! =ce ( 8 imag9ation 9   
its influ5ce on 8 bodily capacity1 we   
tri$ playfully to bani% ! idea4 ,rais+  
him to 8 feet1 h[ev]1 we realis$ t f    
:atev] cause1 he _h lo/ ! use ( ! limbs 
9 "q1 & 9 ! utmo/ al>m we c>ri$ him to 8
 b$room1 & hurri$ away = ,mr4 ,m>%all ,x

 0 f\nd t he _h really und]gone a       
species ( p>alysis1 call$1 ,i ?9k1 loss 
( co-ord9ative p[]4 ,! juncture 0 a     
critical "o1 & x 0 at l5g? decid$ by !  
able m$ical advis] j nam$1 t ! "t _h    
come :5 ! *loral1 :i* 0 at ! root ( all 
?is mis*ief1 %\ld be decisively1        
entirely1 & in/antly cut (f4 ,to compass
 ?is end a "y m$ical man1 ,mr4 ,h5ry    
,maudsley1 0 br\ght into ! h\se z a     
resid5t to wat* & manage ! case 9 !     
int]vals ( ,mr4 ,m>%all's visits4 ,x is 
n = me to (f] a /atem5t ( :at 0 done1 & 
done s ably at ?is p]iod4 ,i only "k t  
morphia 0 at fir/ inject$ z a sub/itute 
= ! n>cotic ! sy/em _h gr[n to dem&2 t  
,rossetti 0 = _m h\rs deliri\s :il/ 8   
body 0 pass+ ?r\gh ! t]rible ordeal (   
hav+ to conqu] ! crav+ = ! =m] drug1 & t
 ?ree or f\r morn+s aft] ! exp]im5t _h  
be5 begun he awoke calm 9 body1 & cle> 9
 m9d1 & grateful 9 he>t4 ,8 delusions & 
^? int]mitt5t suspicions ( 8 fri5ds :i* 
,i h be=e allud$ to1 7 n[ gone1 z ?+s 9 
! pa/ ( :i* he h>dly knew :e!r 9 actual 

fact !y _h or _h n be54 ,*ri/mas ,day 0 
n[ nigh at h&1 &1 /ill conf9$ to 8 room1
 he begg$ me to promise to sp5d t day ) 
him2 8o!rwise10 he said1 8h[ sad a day x
 mu/ be = me1 = ,i _c fairly ask any    
o!r40 ,) a t5d]ness ( sympa?y ,i %all n 
=get1 ,mr4 ,scott _h ask$ me to d9e t   
day at 8 m *e]ful h\se2 b ,i reflect$ t 
?is 0 to be my fir/ ,*ri/mas 9 ,london &
 x might be ,rossetti's la/1 s ,i put by
 pleasant] consid]ations4 ,we d9$ alone1
 b1 some:at lat]1 ,william ,rossetti1 ) 
true bro!rly affection1 left ! gue/s at 
8 own h\se1 & ran d[n to sp5d an h\r ) !
 invalid4 ,we c\ld he> f "t to "t ! r++ 
( ! bells ( ! neighb\r+ *ur*es1 & ,i    
notic$ t ,rossetti 0 n di/urb$ by !m z  
he _h be5 =m]ly4 ,inde$1 ! drug once    
remov$1 he 0 9 e s5se a *ang$ man4 ,he  
talk$ t night brightly1 & ) m =ce &     
incisiv5ess1 ,i ?\ght1 ?an he _h        
display$ = mon?s4 ,!re 0 ! r+ (         
affection 9 8 tone z he said he _h      
always _h loyal fri5ds2 & !n he spoke ) 
feel+ ( ,mr4 ,watts's fri5d%ip1 ( ,mr4  

,%ields's1 & aft]w>ds he spoke ( ,mr4   
,burne ,jones :o _h j previ\sly visit$  
him1 z well z ( ,mr4 ,madox ,br[n1 & 8  
fri5d%ip ( a lifetime2 ( ,mr4 ,sw9burne1
 ,mr4 ,morris1 ,mr4 ,/eph5s1 ,mr4       
,boyce1 & o!r e>ly fri5ds4 ,he said a ^w
 or two ( myself :i* ,i %all n repeat1 &
 !n spoke ) emotion ( 8 "m & si/]1 & ( 8
 si/] :o 0 dead1 & h[ !y 7 support$     
?r\gh _! sore trials by religi\s        
resignation4 ,he ask$ if ,i1 l ,%ields1 
0 a believ]1 & seem$ altoge!r 9 a s(t] &
 m spiritual mood ?an ,i rememb] to h   
notic$ be=e4  ,) su* talk we pass$ !    
,*ri/mas night ( #ahha4 ,rossetti       
recov]$ p[] 9 "s measure1 0 able to get 
d[n to ! /udio1 & see ! fri5ds :o       
call$--,mr4 ,f4 ,e4 ,leyl& frequ5tly1   
,"l & ,lady ,m\nt ,temple1 ,mrs4 ,sumn]1
 ,mr4 ,boyce1 ,mr4 ,f4 ,g4 ,/eph5s1 ,mr4
 ,gil*ri/1 ,mr4 & ,mrs4 ,virtue ,tebbs1 
,mrs4 ,/illman1 ,mrs4 ,coronio1 & ,mr4  
,c4 & ,mr4 ,a4 ,ionides occasionally1 z 
well z ^? previ\sly nam$4 ,a visit f    
,dr4 ,hueff] ( ! ,times 7( ^: gifts he  

_h a high op9ion71 enliv5$ him          
p]ceptibly4 ,b he did n recov]1 & at !  
end ( ,janu>y #ahhb x 0 def9itely       
det]m9$ t he %\ld g to ! sea-side4 ,i 0 
ask$ to accompany him1 & did s4 ,at ! "r
 juncture ,mr4 ,j4 ,p4 ,s$don v         
hospitably t5d]$ ! use ( 8 h&some       
bungal[ at ,bir*+ton-on-,sea1 a little  
wat]+-place f\r miles we/ ( ,m>gate4    
,!re we sp5t n9e weeks4 ,at fir/ go+ out
 he 0 able to take %ort walks on !      
cliffs1 or r\nd ! road t w9ds ab\t !    
*ur*y>d1 b 8 /r5g? grew less & less e   
day & h\r4 ,we 7 con/antly visit$ by    
,mr4 ,watts1 ^: devotion nev] fail$1 &  
,rossetti w\ld bright5 up at ! prospect 
( "o ( 8 visits1 & become s5sibly       
depress$ :5 he _h gone4 ,mr4 ,william   
,%>p1 too 7a "y fri5d ( ^: gifts z a    
poet ,rossetti _h a g5u9e appreciation1 
& by :om he _h be5 visit$ at int]vals = 
"s "t71 came out occasionally & *e]$ up 
! suff]] 9 a noticeable degree4 ,!n 8 "m
 & si/] came & /ay$ 9 ! h\se dur+ _m    
weeks at ! la/4 ,h[ %all ,i speak ( !   

t5d]ness ( _! solicitude1 ( _! unwe>y+  
att5tions1 9 a ^w ( _! ard5t &          
reciprocat$ love ( ! illu/ri\s son &    
bro!r = :om !y did ! ?\s& g5tle (fices  
:i* !y alone c\ld h done6 ,! end 0 draw+
 on1 & we all knew ! fact4 ,rossetti _h 
actually tak5 to poetical composition   
afre%1 & _h writt5 a faceti\s ballad    
7conceiv$ ye>s be=e7 ( ! l5g? ( ,! ,:ite
 ,%ip1 call$ ,jan ,van ,hunks1 embody+  
an ecc5tric /ory ( a ,dut*man's wag] to 
smoke aga9/ ! devil4 ,?is 0 to appe> 9 a
 miscellany ( /ories & poems by himself 
& ,mr4 ,watts1 a project :i* _h be5 a   
fav\rite "o ( 8 = "s ye>s1 & 9 :i* he   
n[1 9 8 la/ mom5ts1 took a reviv$ int]e/
 /range & /rong4  ,ab\t ?is "t he d]iv$ 
great gratification f read+ an article  
on him & 8 works 9 ,le ,livre by ,mr4   
,joseph ,knight1 an old fri5d to :om he 
0 deeply atta*$1 & = ^: gifts he _h a   
g5u9e admiration4 ,p]haps ! v la/ lett] 
,rossetti p5n$ 0 writt5 to ,mr4 ,knight 
^u ! subject ( ?is article4  ,8         
intellect 0 z p[]ful z 9 8 be/ days1 &  

fre] ?an ev] ( halluc9ations4 ,b 8      
bodily /r5g? grew less & less4 ,8 sight 
became feebl]1 & !n he ab&on$ ! _m      
novels t _h rec5tly solac$ 8 idl] h\rs1 
& ,miss ,rossetti read al\d to him4     
,among o!r books %e read ,dick5s's ,tale
 ( ,two ,cities1 & he seem$ deeply t\*$ 
by ,sidney ,c>ton's sacrifice1 & rem>k$ 
t he w\ld l to pa9t ! la/ sc5e ( ! /ory4
  ,on ,w$nesday morn+1 ,april #e?1 ,i   
w5t into ! b$room to :i* he _h = "s days
 be5 conf9$1 & wrote out to 8 dictation 
two sonnets :i* he _h compos$ on a      
design ( 8 call$ ,! ,sph9x1 & :i* he    
wi%$ to give1 toge!r ) ! draw+ & !      
ballad be=e describ$1 to ,mr4 ,watts =  
publication 9 ! volume j m5tion$4 ,on ! 
,?ursday morn+ ,i f\nd 8 utt]ance ?ick1 
& 8 spee* f t cause h>dly intelligible4 
,x *anc$ t ,i _h j be5 read+ ,mr4       
,bu*anan's new volume ( poems1 & 9 !    
c\rse ( conv]sation ,i told him ! /ory (
 ! ballad call$ ,! ,lights ( ,lei?1 & he
 0 affect$ by ! pa?os ( x4 ,he _h he>d (
 t au?or's retractation99 ( ! *>ges     

involv$ 9 ! article publi%$ t5 ye>s     
e>li]1 & 0 manife/ly t\*$ by ! d$ication
 ( ! romance ,god & ! ,man4 ,he talk$   
long & e>ne/ly t morn+1 & x 0 our la/   
real int]view4 ,he spoke ( 8 love ( e>ly
 ,engli% ballad lit]ature1 & ( h[ :5 he 
fir/ met ) x he _h said to himself3     
8,!re lies y\r l9e40        99 ,!       
retractation1 :i* n[ has a peculi>      
lit]>y      int]e/1 0 made 9 ! foll[+   
v]ses1 & %\ld1 ,i      ?9k1 be record$  
"h3       ,to an old ,enemy4            
,i w\ld h snat*'d a bay-leaf f ?y br[1  
,wrong+ ! *aplet on an hon\r$ head2     
,9 peace & *>ity ,i br+ !e n[           
,a lily-fl[] in/ead4           ,pure z  
?y purpose1 blameless z ?y song1        
,sweet z ?y _s1 may ?is (f]+ be2        
,=get ! bitt] blame t did !e wrong1     
,& take ! gift f me6       ,9 a lat]    
edition ( ! romance ! foll[+ v]ses are  
add$ to ! d$ication3       ,to ,dante   
,gabriel ,rossetti3            ,calmly1 
?y royal robe ( dea? ar\nd !e1          
,?\ ,bleeke/1 & weep+ bre?r5 r\nd !e    

/&--           ,g5tly !y plac$1 ere yet 
,god's angel cr[n'd !e1                 
,my lily 9 ?y h&6           ,i nev] knew
 !e liv+1 ,o my bro!r6              ,b  
on ?y brea/ my lily ( love n[ lies2     
,& by t tok51 we %all "k ea* o!r1       
,:5 ,god's voice sai? 8,arise60  8,c y  
und]/& me80 he ask$ abruptly1 allud+ to 
! ?ickness ( 8 utt]ance4  8,p]fectly40  
8,nurse ,abrey _c3 :at a good creature  
%e is60  ,t night we telegraph$ to ,mr4 
,m>%all1 to ,mr4 ,w4 ,m4 ,rossetti1 &   
,mr4 ,watts1 & wrote next morn+ to ,mr4 
,%ields1 ,mr4 ,scott1 & ,mr4 ,madox     
,br[n4 ,x _h be5 f\nd by ! resid5t      
m$ical man1 ,dr4 ,h>ris1 t 9 ,rossetti's
 case kidney disease _h sup]v5$4 ,8 de> 
"m & ,i sat up until e>ly morn+ ) him1 &
 :5 we left him 8 si/] took our place & 
rema9$ ) him ! :ole ( t & subsequ5t     
nights4 ,he sat up 9 b$ mo/ ( ! "t &    
said a sort ( /upefaction _h remov$ all 
pa94 ,he croon$ ov] odd l9es ( poetry4  
8,my own v]ses torm5t me10 he said4 ,!n 
he half-sang1 half-recit$1 snat*es f "o 

( ,iago's songs 9 ,o!llo4 8,/range ?+s10
 he murmur$1 8to come into "o's head at 
su* a mom5t40 ,i told him 8 bro!r & ,mr4
 ,watts w\ld be ) him to-morr[4 8,!n y  
really ?9k t ,i am dy+8 ,at la/ y ?9k s2
 b ,i 0 "r f ! fir/40  ,next day1 ,good 
,friday1 ! fri5ds nam$ did come1 & weak 
z he 01 he 0 mu* *e]$ by _! pres5ce4 ,! 
foll[+ day ,mr4 ,m>%all arriv$4  ,t     
g5tleman recognis$ ! al>m+ position (   
affairs1 b he 0 n )\t hope4 ,he adm9i/]$
 a sort ( hot ba?1 & on ,sunday morn+   
,rossetti 0 p]ceptibly bright]4 ,mr4    
,%ields _h n[ arriv$1 & "o aft] "o ( 8  
fri5ds1 includ+ ,mr4 ,leyl&1 :o 0 at !  
"t /ay+ at ,ramsgate1 & made frequ5t    
calls1 visit$ him 9 8 room & f\nd him   
able to li/5 & sometimes to talk4 ,9 !  
ev5+ ! nurse gave a *e]+ report ( 8     
condition1 & enc\rag$ by su* prospects1 
,mr4 ,watts1 ,mr4 ,%ields1 & myself1    
gave way to good spirits1 & retir$ to an
 adjo9+ room4 ,ab\t n9e o'clock ,mr4    
,watts left u1 & return+ 9 a %ort "t1   
said he _h be5 9 ! sickroom1 & _h _h "s 

talk ) ,rossetti1 & f\nd him *e]ful4 ,an
 in/ant aft]w>ds we he>d a scream1      
foll[$ by a l\d rapp+ at our door4 ,we  
hurri$ into ,rossetti's room & f\nd him 
9 convulsions4 ,mr4 ,watts rais$ him on 
"o side1 :il/ ,i rais$ him on ! o!r2 8  
"m1 si/]1 & bro!r1 7 imm$iately pres5t  
7,mr4 ,%ields _h fl$ away = ! doctor72  
!re 7 a few mom5ts ( susp5se1 & !n we   
saw him die 9 our arms4 ,mrs4 ,william  
,rossetti arriv$ f ,man*e/] at ?is      
mom5t4  ,?us on ,ea/] ,day ,rossetti    
di$4 ,x 0 h>d to realise t he 0 actually
 dead2 b s x 01 & ! dreadful fact _h at 
la/ come ^u u ) a horrible sudd5ness4 ,(
 ! bus9ess ( ! next few days ,i ne$ say 
no?+4 ,i w5t up to ,london 9 ! int]val  
betwe5 ! dea? & burial1 & ! old h\se at 
,*elsea1 :i*1 to my m9d1 9 my "t _h     
always be5 desolate1 0 n[ m ?an ev] s1 t
 ! man :o _h be5 its vitalis+ _s lay    
dead eighty miles away by ! side ( !    
sea4 ,x 0 decid$ to bury ! poet 9 !     
*ur*y>d ( ,bir*+ton4 ,! fun]al1 :i* 0 a 
private "o1 0 att5d$ by relatives &     

p]sonal fri5ds only1 ) "o or two        
well-wi%]s f ,london4  ,next day we saw 
mo/ ( ! fri5ds away by tra91 &1 "s days 
lat]1 ,mr4 ,watts 0 ) myself ! la/ to   
leave4 ,i ?\ght we two 7 drawn ! clos]  
ea* to ea* f ! loss ( him by :om we 7   
br\ght toge!r4 ,we walk$ "o morn+ to !  
*ur*y>d & f\nd ! grave1 :i* ne/les "u ! 
s\?-we/ por*1 /rewn ) fl[]s4 ,! *ur* is 
an anci5t & qua9t e>ly ,go?ic edifice1  
some:at rejuv5at$ h[ev]1 b ) ivy creep+ 
ov] its walls4 ,! prospect to ! nor? is 
( sea only3 a broad sweep ( l&scape s   
flat & s featureless t ! great sea      
dom9ates x4 ,z we /ood !re1 ) ! rumble (
 ! roll+ wat]s borne to u f ! %ore1 we  
felt t ?\gh we _h little dream$ t we    
%\ld lay ,rossetti 9 8 la/ sleep "h1 no 
o!r place c\ld be q s fit4 ,x 01 inde$1 
! re/+-place = a poet4 ,9 ?is b$1 ( all 
o!rs1 he mu/ at l5g?1 aft] we>y ye>s (  
sleeplessness1 sleep ! only sleep t is  
deep & w endure4 ,?9k+ ( ! incid5ts :i* 
,i h 9 ?is *apt] tri$ to record1 my m9d 
rev]t$ to a t\*+ sonnet :i* ! fri5d by  

my side _h j pr9t$2 & !n1 = ! fir/ "t1  
,i 0 /ruck by its extraord9>y           
applicability to him :om we _h laid     
bel[4 ,9 its pr9t$ =m x 0 address$ to   
,he9e1 & ran3       ,?\ knew'/ t isl& f>
 away & lone         ,^: %ores are z a  
h>p1 :]e bill[s break         ,9 spray (
 music & ! breezes %ake      ,o'er spicy
 seas a wo( ( col\r & tone1      ,:ile t
 sweet music e*oes l a moan         ,9 !
 isl&'s he>t1 & sighs ar\nd ! lake      
,:]e1 wat*+ fe>fully a wat*ful snake1   
,a damsel weeps ^u h] em]ald ?rone4     
,life's ocean1 break+ r\nd ?y s5ses'    
%ore1         ,/ruck gold5 song z f !   
/r& ( day3         ,= u ! joy1 = !e !   
fell foe lay--      ,pa9's bl9k+ snake  
ar\nd ! fair isle's core1         ,turn+
 to sighs ! en*ant$ s\nds t play        
,ar\nd ?y lovely isl& ev]more4  8,h[    
/rangely appropriate x is10 ,i said1 8to
 ,rossetti1 & n[ ,i rememb] h[ deeply he
 0 mov$ on read+ x40  8,he guess$ its   
secret2 ,i address$ x1 = disguise1 to   
,he9e1 to :om x 0 sadly inapplicable4 ,i

 meant x = him40   ,,! ,,end4