have been some vague folly of that kind that originated this
rumor; for rumors are like dandelion-seeds; and _the Cable_ I
dare say welcomes them all that have a guinea in their pocket.

Thank you for blocking up that Harvard matter; provided it don't
go into the Newspapers, all is right. Thank you a thousand times
for that thrice-kind potential welcome, and flinging wide open
your doors and your hearts to me at Concord. The gleam of it is
like sunshine in a subterranean place. Ah me, Ah me! May God be
with you all, dear Emerson.

Yours ever,
T. Carlyle




CLXXXVI. Emerson to Carlyle

Concord, 15 October, 1870

My Dear Carlyle,--I am the ignoblest of all men in my perpetual
short-comings to you. There is no example of constancy like
yours, and it always stings my stupor into temporary recovery and
wonderful resolution to accept the noble challenge. But "the
strong hours conquer us," and I am the victim of miscellany,--
miscellany of designs, vast debility, and procrastination.

Already many days before your letter came, Fields sent me a
package from you, which he said he had found a little late,