TŌKYŌ, January, 1898.
DEAR McDONALD,--I believe those three days, of mine in Yokohama were the
most pleasurable in a pilgrimage of forty-seven years. I can venture to
say little more about them _per se_. Such experience will not do for me
except at vast intervals. It sends me back to work with much too good
an opinion of myself,--and that is bad for literary self-judgement.
The beneficial result is an offsetting of that morbid condition,--that
utter want of self-confidence. On the whole, I feel "toned-up"--full
of new energy; that will not be displeasing to you. I not only feel
that I ought to do something good, but I am going to do it,--with the
permission of the gods.
How nice of you to have invited Amenomori to our tiffin,--and the trip
to Ōmori! I look forward in the future to a Kamakura day, under like
circumstances, when time and tide permit. I believe A. can surprise us
at Kamakura, which he knows better than any man living. He does not give
his knowledge to many people.
I am sending you Knapp's book, as I promised, and that volume of mine
which you have not read. Excuse the shabbiness of the volumes. I think
Dr. Hall knows much about the curious dialect which I have used,--the
Creole. Please say to him for me what you feel ought to be said.
I won't write any more now--and I settle down forthwith to work with
fresh vim and hope.
With more than grateful remembrance,
Affectionately yours,
LAFCADIO HEARN.