It was our habit, when talking to one another of the “F. M.” writings, to speak of “Fiona” as a separate entity—so that we should not be taken unawares if suddenly spoken to about ‘her’ books. It was William’s habit also to write and post to himself two letters on his birthday—letters of admonition and of new resolutions. On the 12th Sep. 1905 he brought me the two birthday letters when they reached him, and gave them to me to read, saying, with a smile, “Fiona is rather hard on me, but she is quite right.” Both letters are in his handwriting and are as follows:
Gu Fionaghal nic Leoid
Sliabhean n’an Aisling
Y-Breasil (na Tir-fo-Tuinn)
An Domhain Uaine,
12th Sept., 1905.
Dearest Fiona,
A word of loving greeting to you on the morrow of our new year. All that is best in this past year is due to you, mo caraid dileas: and I hope and believe that seeds have been sown which will be reborn in flower and fruit and may be green grass in waste places and may even grow to forests. I have not always your serene faith and austere eyes, dear, but I come to much in and thro’ my weakness as you through your strength. But in this past year I realise I have not helped you nearly as much as I could: in this coming year I pray, and hope, it may be otherwise. And this none the less tho’ I have much else I want to do apart from our work. But we’ll be one and the same au fond even then, shall we not, Fiona dear?
I am intensely interested in the fuller development of the Celtic Trilogy—and shall help in all ways. You say I can give you what you have not: well, I am glad indeed. Together we shall be good Sowers, Fionaghal mo rùn: and let us work contentedly at that. I wish you Joy and Sorrow, Peace, and Unrest, and Leisure, Sun, and Wind, and Rain, all of Earth and Sea and Sky in this coming year. And inwardly dwell with me, so that less and less I may fall short of your need as well as your ideal. And may our “Mystic’s Prayer” be true for us both, who are one.
Ever yours, dear,