The few remaining letters of this period are dated from Edinburgh and
from Stobo Manse, near Peebles. This, in the matter of weather and
health, was the most disappointing of all Stevenson's attempts at
summer residence in Scotland. Before going to Stobo he made a short
excursion with his father to Lochearnhead; and later spent some three
weeks with me at Kingussie, but from neither place wrote any letters
worth preserving. The following was addressed to a young art-student
who had read the works of Walt Whitman after reading Stevenson's
essay on him, and being staggered by some things he found there had
written asking for further comment and counsel.
_17 Heriot Row, Edinburgh [June 1882]._
DEAR SIR,--If I have in any way disquieted you, I believe you are
justified in bidding me stand and deliver a remedy if there be one:
which is the point.
1st I am of your way of thinking: that a good deal of Whitman is as well
taken once but 2nd I quite believe that it is better to have everything
brought before one in books. In that way the problems reach us when we
are cool, and not warped by the sophistries of an instant passion. Life
itself presents its problems with a terrible directness and at the very
hour when we are least able to judge calmly. Hence this Pisgah sight of
all things, off the top of a book, is only a rational preparation for
the ugly grips that must follow.
But 3rd, no man can settle another's life for him. It is the test of the
nature and courage of each that he shall decide it for himself. Each in
turn must meet and beard the Sphynx. Some things however I must say--and
you will treat them as things read in a book for you to accept or refuse
as you shall see most fit.
Go not out of your way to make difficulties. Hang back from life while
you are young. Shoulder no responsibilities. You do not yet know how far
you can trust yourself--it will not be very far, or you are more
fortunate than I am. If you can keep your sexual desires in order, be
glad, be very glad. Some day, when you meet your fate, you will be free,
and the better man. _Don't make a boy and girl friendship that which it
is not._ Look at Burns: that is where amourettes conduct an average good
man; and a tepid marriage is only a more selfish amourette--in the long
run. Whatever you do, see that you don't sacrifice a woman; that's where
all imperfect loves conduct us. At the same time, if you can make it
convenient to be chaste, for God's sake, avoid the primness of your
virtue; hardness to a poor harlot is a sin lower than the ugliest
unchastity.
Never be in a hurry anyhow.
There is my sermon.
Certainly, you cannot too earnestly go in for the Greek; and about any
art, think last of what pays, first of what pleases. It is in that
spirit only that an art can be made. Progress in art is made by learning
to _enjoy_ it. That which seems a little dull at first, is found to
contain the elements of pleasure more largely though more quietly
commingled.
I return to my sermon for one more word: Natural desire gives you no
right to any particular woman: that comes with love only, and don't be
too ready to believe in love: there are many shams: the true love will
not allow you to reason about it.
It is your fault if I appear so pulpiteering.
Wishing you well in life and art, and that you may long be
young.--Believe me, yours truly,