“My dear Patmore,—I wish, among the many benefits you have conferred upon me, you would tell me how to thank you as I ought, for I cannot do it myself. In human affairs, whatever it may be among the angels, I do not accede to the sentiment of Milton, that by owing we owe not—at best a sort of quibble; so that, unless you can teach me how to acquit myself, I must continue to owe.
“Meanwhile, all I can do is cordially to thank you. You have had a sad deal of trouble, but I know it will have been lightened by your good will. Like ‘Macbeth’ I can say—
“‘I know this is a joyful trouble to ye, But yet ’tis one.’ |
| R. PLUMER WARD. | 99 |
“You are most good in offering to superintend the proofs. Were the distance from this shorter, I would by no means think of imposing that additional burthen upon you; but after all the delays that have occurred, I am fearful of more; which certainly could not be avoided, where there is not time to answer a letter by return of post; so that if you are not tired out, my dear Patmore, I will thankfully accept your offer.
“In all this I give you carte blanche, and only feel happy in having so able as well as so kind an associate.
“Though I have not said half enough, I will not say more, at present at least, than that I am most truly,
“I don’t know whether you have looked at the
pamphlet. If you
have, I hope you do
| 100 | R. PLUMER WARD. |
