Carlyle. Use your old magnanimity to me, and punish my
stony ingratitudes by new letters from time to time.
Ever affectionately and gratefully yours,
R.W. Emerson
CLXXIV. Emerson to Carlyle
Concord, 16 May, 1866
My Dear Carlyle,--I have just been shown a private letter from
Moncure Conway to one of his friends here, giving some tidings of
your sad return to an empty home. We had the first news last
week. And so it is. The stroke long threatened has fallen at
last, in the mildest form to its victim, and relieved to you by
long and repeated reprieves. I must think her fortunate also in
this gentle departure, as she had been in her serene and honored
career. We would not for ourselves count covetously the
descending steps after we have passed the top of the mount, or
grudge to spare some of the days of decay. And you will have the
peace of knowing her safe, and no longer a victim. I have found
myself recalling an old verse which one utters to the parting
soul,--
"For thou hast passed all chance of human life,
And not again to thee shall beauty die.
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