I am more pleased with your lines than when I first read them; they
are intensely womanly, natural, musical and sweet--they are absolutely
free from affectation, only the restraint of rhyme and measure seem to
deprive your muse of perfect freedom and grace. There is also a
delicacy of thought and fancy, and of purity of sentiment that
pervades the whole like the sweetest perfume.
No one can listen to your “Chirpings” and feel like touching the bough
from which you sing with a rude, critical hand; he would rather listen
through the live-long night to the end of your song.
I remember well your first attempt at rhyme while a girl here at
school; even then, there was a pleasing promise of a beautiful and
useful pen; and I am glad that you have found time and opportunity to
improve your early gift. I am glad, too, that you have been persuaded
to give some of your sweet little poems to the press; the tender, the
true, and the pure of heart will read them with delight.
Affectionately your friend,