I forget what were the two sets of verses (apparently satirical) here
mentioned. The volume of essays must be _Virginibus Puerisque_,
published the following spring; but it is dedicated in prose to W. E.
Henley.
_Ben Wyvis Hotel, Strathpeffer [July 1880]._
MY DEAR COLVIN,--One or two words. We are here: all goes exceeding well
with the wife and with the parents. Near here is a valley; birch woods,
heather, and a stream; I have lain down and died; no country, no place,
was ever for a moment so delightful to my soul. And I have been a
Scotchman all my life, and denied my native land! Away with your gardens
of roses, indeed! Give me the cool breath of Rogie waterfall,
henceforth and for ever, world without end.
I enclose two poems of, I think, a high order. One is my dedication for
my essays; it was occasioned by that delicious article in the Spectator.
The other requires no explanation; c'est tout bonnement un petit chef
d'oeuvre de grace, de delicatesse, et de bon sens humanitaire. Celui qui
ne s'en sent pas touche jusqu'aux larmes--celui-la n'a pas vecu. I wish
both poems back, as I am copyless: but they might return _via_ Henley.
My father desires me still to withdraw the _Emigrant_. Whatever may be
the pecuniary loss, he is willing to bear it; and the gain to my
reputation will be considerable.
I am writing against time and the post runner. But you know what kind
messages we both send to you. May you have as good a time as possible so
far from Rogie!