$2,185
LONGFELLOW, HENRY WADSWORTH (1807-1882) Autograph Letter Signed, Cambridge, June 5, 1843, to A. M. Ide, Jr., four pages, commenting on Ide's request for criticism concerning his (Ide's) poetry and commenting at length on the subject of poetry, with holograph address leaf. In full: My dear Sir, I have had the pleasure of receiving your favor of May 29, and shall answer it in the same spirit of frankness in which it is written. I am indeed very glad you have written to me; for having gone over the ground you are now going over, in literary hopes, projects and aspirations, it may be in my power to give you a useful hint or two. Nor will you take this amiss; for I am just twice your age; and can without vanity therefore offer you the light of my experience. In the first place, then, a word as to your position. Were I a farmer, as you are, and had at the same time the gift of song, as you have, I would cling to my position in the world with pride and gratitude. I have great reverence for labor. It gives health of body and health of mind. Hold fast to your inheritance, therefore; be both a farmer and poet, and give us in your song, the scent of wild-flowers and the new-turned soil, and the roar of the forest. Of city poets there are enough;- let us have one good, vigorous, athletic bard with thick shoes and a brown hand. That is what I should aim at being, were I in your place. As to fame, I have but one word to say. Do not seek for it. It comes sooner or later - it comes because Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2001-11-10
