“My dear Patmore,—I find I am indebted to your partiality for a book of poems, exhibiting, I think, warmth and genius, though perhaps wanting some pruning. The book was sent me by Mr. Reade, with a flattering letter, owing, I fear, more to your kind opinion than ‘Tremaine,’ though attributed to both. Well, thank you for this and many other instances of your kindness.
“I wrote you some time ago with a twofold view, of knowing what had become of a certain tale and comedy, neither of which ought to be hid under a bushel; also to apprise you that I had sent a review of the ‘Edinburgh Review’ of my political work, to ——, with a request that if he did not publish it, he would send it to you to be returned to the author, for I did not tell my name. As there was scarcely time to publish it in the last magazine of ——, and I have heard nothing from you about it, it is possible he retains it for his next publication; but I should like to know if you have heard anything about it.
| 94 | R. PLUMER WARD. |
“Tell me what you have been about, and where. Perhaps you are abroad, or enjoying the sun (if you can find him, at least) out of London. My sun is only that of my imagination, for the real one is nowhere here. We have, however, a delightful coal-pit, which almost does as well.
“If you will answer this letter, and excuse the trouble it gives you, you will make me very glad.
“I will not add to it more than to say I am much yours,
