You will become an emigre, and John Burns will have to content himself with the heads of the likes of me. As the Jacobins said of Lavoisier, the Republic has no need of men of science.
But this prospect need not interfere with sending our hearty congratulations to Lady Farrer and yourself.
As for your criticisms, don't you know that I am become a reactionary and secret friend of the clerics?
My lecture is really an effort to put the Christian doctrine that Satan is the Prince of this world upon a scientific foundation.
Just consider it in this light, and you will understand why I was so warmly welcomed in Oxford. (N.B.—The only time I spoke before was in 1860, when the great row with Samuel came off!!)
Ever yours very faithfully,
T.H. Huxley.
Hodeslea, Eastbourne, July 15, 1893.
My dear Skelton,
I fear I must admit that even a Gladstonian paper occasionally tells the truth. They never mean to, but we all have our lapses from the rule of life we have laid down for ourselves, and must be charitable.