Affectionately,
R.W. Emerson




CLXIX. Emerson to Carlyle*

Concord, 8 December, 1862

My Dear Friend,--Long ago, as soon as swift steamers could bring
the new book across the sea, I received the third volume of
_Friedrich,_ with your autograph inscription, and read it with
joy. Not a word went to the beloved author, for I do not write
or think. I would wait perhaps for happier days, as our
President Lincoln will not even emancipate slaves, until on the
heels of a victory, or the semblance of such. But he waited in
vain for his triumph, nor dare I in my heavy months expect bright
days. The book was heartily grateful, and square to the author's
imperial scale. You have lighted the glooms, and engineered away
the pits, whereof you poetically pleased yourself with
complaining, in your sometime letter to me, clean out of it,
according to the high Italian rule, and have let sunshine and
pure air enfold the scene. First, I read it honestly through for
the history; then I pause and speculate on the Muse that
inspires, and the friend that reports it. 'T is sovereignly
written, above all literature, dictating to all mortals what they
shall accept as fated and final for their salvation. It is
Mankind's Bill of Rights and Duties, the royal proclamation of
Intellect ascending the throne, announcing its good pleasure,