Alexander Ireland, who first printed a portion of the letter in
his "Ralph Waldo Emerson, a Biographical Sketch," London, 1882.
One or two words missing in the copy are inserted from the rough
draft, which, as usual, varies in minor points from the letter
as sent.
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The letter came also. Every child of mine knows from far that
handwriting, and brings it home with speed. I read without alarm
the pathetical hints of your sad plight in the German labyrinth.
I know too well what invitations and assurance brought you in
there, to fear any lack of guides to bring you out. More
presence of mind and easy change from the microscopic to the
telescopic view does not exist. I await peacefully your issue
from your pretended afflictions.
What to tell you of my coop and byre? Ah! you are a very poor
fellow, and must be left with your glory. You hug yourself on
missing the illusion of children, and must be pitied as having
one glittering toy the less. I am a victim all my days to
certain graces of form and behavior, and can never come into
equilibrium.
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