Forgive the intrusion of a stranger (says a lady). Long have I desired to have some one of the n.o.ble thoughts, I have so learned to love, in your own handwriting. I have felt a delicacy in asking this, but the wish is so earnest with me that I will venture this first and last request.... I crave some tangible proof that my "hero-worship" has some sympathetic, human foundation. Could I choose a couplet?... They spring to my memory in legions. The wild melody of "Blow, bugle, blow," etc. etc. ... They have helped to make my life beautiful, earnest and true, and I am grateful for it all. If I might be once more your debtor it would be a real joy to me, but if it _feels_ like a burden, do not give it another thought.
(1891)
... In behalf of _Charity Circle_, a non-sectarian organization of the order of King"s Daughters, we are making a collection of autographs of prominent men and women to be used in a souvenir banner: which when finished will be sold and the proceeds devoted to charity work. We feel as if the banner will not be complete without Lord Tennyson"s autograph.
(1891)
BELOVED SIR--I feel awkward and abashed, as I thus come before you, who are so great, so honored, so crowned with earthly fame and glory; and, so worthy to be thus crowned, and known to fame: but, I know, that in the midst of all these honors, which might spoil one, of the common sort of souls; you are a poet, _born_, _not_ made; and therefore, you have the essential gift of the poet [sympathy] and can feel for the imprisoned soul, beating against the stifling walls of silence: and longing, fainting, to come forth into the glad sunshine, the sweet, fresh air of _utterance_, so strangely withheld from it....
From [youth] till now, Beloved Sir, you have been my friend, my soother; the dear angel, whose kindly office it has been, ever and anon, to speak _for_ me ... and thus to give me the _sweet sense_ of having been led forth from prison for a while into the blessed light and freedom of utterance.
I will never forget the relief afforded by those lines:
My very heart faints and my soul grieves Etc. etc.
(1891)
A lady writes to the honored Poet-Laureate of England, and the beloved world-renowned verse-maker.
Knowing the value of even one verse and your autograph I write to you and make my request, which if granted will be beyond my antic.i.p.ations.
I want a dedicatory poem so much, but if I get only a line from you I should be happy. I always loved your poetry. Now please, do send me the coveted verse. I, a beggar-maid at the throne of poetry, kneel and beg of the monarch a crumb. Have you any grandchildren? I wish I could get one of their photos for my book. Hoping you will act like the good king in the fairy kingdom and grant the request--I remain etc. etc.
(1885)
DEAR LADY TENNYSON--It is one of the glorious privileges of our government that the "first ladies of the land" may be courteously addressed without the formalities of an introduction, and why not the same rule in your country? Therefore, without the semblance of an apology, I request you will do me the honor to grant a small favor. I am engaged in collecting souvenirs from celebrated writers, and you being the wife of England"s Poet Laureate, I would prize beyond measure a contribution from you: a _sc.r.a.p_ of silk or velvet from one of _your dresses_, and also a sc.r.a.p of one of your husband"s _neckties_.... There is no one who loves his works as myself ... he reaches further down into the human heart and touches its tender cords (sic) as no man has since the days of Shakespeare.... My husband, who has won an enviable reputation as a writer hopes soon to produce his work on _The Lives of English and American Poets_. Hoping you will not refuse me, etc. etc.
A few miscellaneous oddities follow.
(1883)
DEAR SIR--May I ask you as a favour where I could find a "wold," to ill.u.s.trate the following verse:
Calm and deep peace on this high wold, And on these dews that drench the furze, And all the silvery gossamers That twinkle into green and gold: ("In Memoriam," XI.)
which is the subject given this year for a painting (for the Gold Medal), to the Students of the Royal Academy of Arts?
(1840)
A young girl, writing from America, asks a natural question.
We have your book of poems, and I have read "Enoch Arden." So I thought I would write and see if it is true. Was there a girl whose name was Anna Lee, and two boys named Enoch Arden and Philip Ray?
I felt very sorry for Philip at first and afterward for Enoch, when he came home and found his wife had married Philip and he saw her children grown up, but could not go to see them....
I have a pet rooster, and it is very cunning. I hold it and pet it and I love it _lots_.
Well, I must close, hoping to hear from you soon, for I want to know if the story of Enoch is true.
(1891)
U.S.A. again supplies the following _navete_:
DEAR SIR--I intrude a line on your notice, to ask a little favor.
I am in my fourteenth year; am considered fairly advanced for my age, by older heads. I _wish your opinion_ of the _best line of books_ for me to read at leisure hours, aside from novels or fiction. I attend the high school, and on Sat.u.r.days, clerk in the store, of which my father is senior partner.
_P.S._--You will find five cents for return postage.
_2nd P.S._--My mother says you are not living, but I say to her, I believe she is mistaken; in other words, I am glad one time to differ with her.
(1888)
MY DEAR LORD TENNYSON--I once met you....
You will think it strange indeed, my Lord, when I a.s.sure you that I am often supposed to be your n.o.ble self, once in Scarborough, often in Town at the great exhibitions and elsewhere. I wear a large Tyrolese felt hat.
There is to be a grand summer party here, my Lord, gentlemen to appear in character, I having been requested to appear as "Lord Tennyson."
Could your Lordship kindly lend me any outer clothing, by Thursday morning at latest? a cloak, etc.? Then I should feel so thankful and fulfil the character better.
America characteristically supplies the following:
Permit me to call your special attention to a pamphlet I mail you herewith, of an address to the _New Shakespere Society_, containing the announcement of a momentous discovery which I have made in the "Shakespeare" plays.
My unveiling therein of the allegory of _Cymbeline_ is but a sample of what I have similarly discerned in the other dramas, and in which I find the same conclusions consistently to be reached.
The fair writer"s answers to objections and discourse on her discovery unhappily throw no light upon the subject. She proceeds:
I would add that it is singular to myself there should be so strong a prejudice against the acceptance of Bacon"s authorship of these dramas, investing them, as it does, with such additional interest both of a historical and an autobiographical kind, in the light of his concealment of it.
The value of truth, and the interests of literature, const.i.tute my apology for this intrusion upon your valuable time.
[The acceptance of Bacon"s authorship of Shakespeare"s dramas and the attack on Shakespeare"s character made my father register his opinion thus:
Not only with no sense of shame On common sense you tread, Not only ride your hobby lame, But make him kick the dead. ED.]
(1882)
RIGHT HONORABLE SIR--The editor of a Bohemian literary journal takes the liberty of applying, in a very delicate matter, to you the most renowned poet of the first literature in the world. Yet this liberty I draw from having a great belief in the generous character of the English nation.