'By the way, we all admire _very greatly_ your beautiful little poem in the Boston Book. I
dare say you
don't care for the opinion of we three "weaker vessels" [i.e. De Quincey's three daughters],
though Papa,
like the dutiful parent he is, and though a "vain man", admits that our judgment in such
matters is
equal if not sometimes better than his. However in this case we one and all came separately
to the
conclusion that there was exquisite poetic grace and beauty in the lines. Who is the Poet you
sent the
mosses too [sic]? for we don't know one who has spoken of Venice that has been living since
you could
have written this. My sister Florence says that with one or two exceptions in the case of
Longfellow
and that most beautiful of writers Hawthorne, yours is nearly the only good thing in the book.
I have
not had time to look it over yet.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Florence De Quincey Print: Book
'By the way, we all admire _very greatly_ your beautiful little poem in the Boston Book. I
dare say you
don't care for the opinion of we three "weaker vessels" [i.e. De Quincey's three daughters],
though Papa,
like the dutiful parent he is, and though a "vain man", admits that our judgment in such
matters is
equal if not sometimes better than his. However in this case we one and all came separately
to the
conclusion that there was exquisite poetic grace and beauty in the lines. Who is the Poet you
sent the
mosses too [sic]? for we don't know one who has spoken of Venice that has been living since
you could
have written this. My sister Florence says that with one or two exceptions in the case of
Longfellow
and that most beautiful of writers Hawthorne, yours is nearly the only good thing in the book.
I have
not had time to look it over yet.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas De Quincey Print: Book
