Full welcome would the giants be to stand in their greaves of brass,
poising their ponderous spears, cursing their prey by their gods, and
thundering invitations to the intended victim to "come forth" and
have his flesh given to the fowls of the air and the beasts of the
field. Currer Bell, without pretending to be a David, feels no awe
of the unwieldy Anakim; but--comprehend me rightly, gentlemen--it
would grieve him to involve others in blame: any censure that would
really injure and annoy his publishers would wound himself.
Therefore believe that he will not act rashly--trust his discretion.
'Mr. Taylor is right about the bad taste of the opening
apostrophe--that I had already condemned in my own mind. Enough said
of a work in embryo. Permit me to request in conclusion that the MS.
may now be returned as soon as convenient.
'The letter you inclosed is from Mary Howitt. It contained a
proposal for an engagement as contributor to an American periodical.
Of course I have negatived it. When I _can_ write, the book I have
in hand must claim all my attention. Oh! if Anne were well, if the
void Death has left were a little closed up, if the dreary word
_nevermore_ would cease sounding in my ears, I think I could yet do
something.
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