ASSISI, _June 9th_ (1874).
Yes, I am a little oppressed just now with overwork, nor is this
avoidable. I am obliged to leave all my drawings unfinished as the
last days come, and the point possible of approximate completion
fatally contracts, every hour to a more ludicrous and warped mockery
of the hope in which one began. It is impossible not to work against
time, and _that_ is killing. It is not labor itself, but competitive,
anxious, disappointed labor that dries one's soul out.
But don't be frightened about me, you sweet Susie. I know when I
_must_ stop; forgive and pity me only, because sometimes, nay often my
letter (or word) to Susie must be sacrificed to the last effort on
one's drawing.
The letter to one's Susie should be a rest, do you think? It is always
more or less comforting, but not rest; it means further employment of
the already extremely strained sensational power. What one really
wants! I believe the only true restorative is the natural one, the
actual presence of one's "helpmeet." The far worse than absence of
mine _reverses_ rest, and what is more, destroys one's power of
receiving from others or giving.
How much love of mine have _others_ lost, because that poor sick child
would not have the part of love that belonged to her!
I am very anxious about your eyes too. For any favor don't write more
extracts just now. The books are yours forever and a day--no loan;
enjoy any bits that you find enjoyable, but don't copy just now.
I left Rome yesterday, and am on my way home; but, alas! might as well
be on my way home from Cochin China, for any chance I have of speedily
arriving. Meantime your letters will reach me here with speed, and
will be a great comfort to me, if they don't fatigue _you_.
* * * * *
"FRONDES AGRESTES."
PERUGIA, _12th June_ (1874).
I am more and more pleased at the thought of this gathering of yours,
and soon expect to tell you what the bookseller says.
Meantime I want you to think of the form the collection should take
with reference to my proposed re-publication. I mean to take the
botany, the geology, the Turner defense, and the general art criticism
of "Modern Painters," as four separate books, cutting out nearly all
the preaching, and a good deal of the sentiment. Now what you find
pleasant and helpful to you of general maxim or reflection, _must_ be
of some value; and I think therefore that your selection will just do
for me what no other reader could have done, least of all I myself;
keep together, that is to say, what may be right and true of those
youthful thoughts. I should like you to add anything that specially
pleases you, of whatever kind; but to keep the notion of your book
being the didactic one as opposed to the other picturesque and
scientific volumes, will I think help you in choosing between passages
when one or other is to be rejected.
* * * * *