TŌKYŌ, August, 1903.
DEAR MRS. WETMORE,--I am sorry for my dismal letter of the
other day. I feel to-day much braver, and think that I can fight it out
here in Japan. Anyhow, I have discovered that I have a fair chance of
being able to live by my work--providing my health is good; and if I
_must_ live by my pen, there is no place in the world where I can do so
more cheaply than here. When my boy is bigger, I may be able to send him
abroad. Unless I could make money in America, it were little use to drop
two thousand dollars (Japanese money) for going and coming. Besides, out
of those lectures in book-form I shall make some money....
For the present, I think that I shall simply sit down, and work as hard
as Zola,--though that is to compare a gnat to an eagle. It only remains
for me to express to you all possible devotion of gratitude. If I had
dreamed of the real state of things, I should long ago have begged you
to do nothing for me in high places. I have tried to break out of my
chrysalis too soon,--but, with the help of the gods, my wings will grow.
To have even one well-wisher like you in America, is much;--and I have
a friend or two in England, some in France, some in Denmark, Sweden, and
Russia. _Non omnis moriar_ thus.
You will hear from me in print:--there I can give you pleasure, perhaps:
I am not fit to write letters. But I am getting very strong again.
With reverential gratitude,
LAFCADIO HEARN.