* * * * *
Kindly convey to young Smith of Auburn my felicitations on his
admirable "Ode to the Abyss"--a large theme, treated with dignity and
power. It has many striking passages--such, for example, as "The Romes
of ruined spheres." I'm conscious of my sin against the rhetoricians
in liking that, for it jolts the reader out of the Abyss and back to
earth. Moreover, it is a metaphor which belittles, instead of
dignifying. But I like it.
He is evidently a student of George Sterling, and being in the
formative stage, cannot--why should he?--conceal the fact.
My love to all good Californians of the Sag Harbor colony.
Sincerely yours,
AMBROSE BIERCE.
[Washington, D. C.,
November 16, 1911.]