Sigurd.
FROM "GOOD WORDS."
By Sir E. Burne-Jones, Bart.
Published by Mr. Alexander Strahan.
Our early friend, the late F. R. Pickersgill, R.A., frequently wrote in high appreciation of the careful manner in which we had reproduced his drawings, but in deference to the wishes expressed by his family we refrain from publishing any of the letters.
When Mr. Alexander Strahan proposed that we should take the entire control of the art part of Good Words, we asked all our most distinguished artist friends to make drawings for the journal. Amongst others was Holman Hunt, who readily offered his co-operation, and also favoured us with the letter here given, which certainly foreshadowed the coming eminence of one who has made a lasting mark on the history of English art.
"November 21st, 1861.
"My dear Sir,—I have looked over Good Words, and carefully read Miss Mulock's poem of 'Go and Come.' The poem I esteem very highly, and shall be pleased to do an illustration of some kind, although I cannot hope to do it justice in the little leisure I have between this and the time you mention as the date when the drawing ought to be ready.
"In addition to the desire to satisfy your anxiety with respect to the illustration to Miss Mulock's poem, I write to speak of a friend of mine who I feel very strongly might be of great value to you in the illustrating of Good Words. He is perhaps the most remarkable of all the younger men of the profession for talent, and will, undeniably, in a few years fill the high position in general public favour which at present he holds in the professional world. He has yet, I think, made but few if any drawings on wood, but he has had much practice in working with the point both with pencil and pen and ink on paper, and so would have no difficulty with the material. I have not seen him lately, but remember that he has sometimes said that he should like to try his hand at drawing on wood, so without further ceremony I will enclose a letter to him which you may use at your own discretion. His name, as you will see by the enclosed, is Edward Jones.