I have the
fancy that a realist is a good corrector of formalism, no matter
how incapable of syllogism or continuous linked statement. To
great results of thought and morals the steps are not many, and
it is not the masters who spin the ostentatious continuity.
I am glad to hear that the last sent book from me arrived safely.
You were too tender and generous in your first notice of it, I
fear. But with whatever deductions for your partiality, I know
well the unique value of Carlyle's praise. Many things crowd to
be said on this little paper. Though I could see no harm in the
making known the bequest of books to Cambridge,--no harm, but
sincere pleasure, and honor of the donor from all good men,--yet
on receipt of your letter touching that, I went back to President
Eliot, and told him your opinion on newspapers. He said it was
necessarily communicated to the seven persons composing the
Corporation, but otherwise he had been very cautious, and it
would not go into print.
You are sending me a book, and Chapman's Homer it is? Are you
bound by your Arabian bounty to a largess whenever you think of
your friend? And you decry the book too.
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