On Wednesday evening next I am going to a Spiritual Séance, by the best mediums—which I am looking forward to with great curiosity....
Besides verse, I am writing a Paper just now on “Climate in Relation to the Influences of Art,” and going on with one or two other minor things. There now, I have told you all about myself....
Your friend and comrade,
Will.
He submitted several poems to Rossetti who had suggested that if he had a suitable sonnet it might be included in Hall Caine’s Century of Sonnets. Rossetti’s acknowledgment contained an adverse criticism on the Sonnet sent, softened by an invitation to the younger man to go again to see him.
Saturday.
Dear Mr. Rossetti,
Thanks for your kind invitation to Philip and myself for Monday night—which we are both glad to accept. I found him in bed this morning on my way to the city—but had no scruple in waking him as I knew what pleasure your message would give. We both thank you also for promising to put us up at night.
I infer from your letter that you do not think The Two Realities good enough to send to Caine: and though of course sorry, I acquiesce in your judgment. I know that none of my best work is in sonnet-form, and that I have less mastery over the latter than any other form of verse. But I will try to improve my deficiencies in this way by acting up to your suggestions. You see, I have never had the advantage of such a severe critic as you before. For instance, I have received praise from many on account of a sonnet you once saw (one of a series on “Womanhood”) called “Approaching Womanhood”—which I enclose herewith—wishing you to tell me how it is poor and what I might have made of it instead. As I am writing from the city I have no others by me (but indeed you have been bothered sufficiently already) but will try and give one from memory—which I hastily dashed down one day in the office.
Looking forward to Monday night,