GARDEN DOOR OF THE CAMBRIDGE HOUSE.
Thinking of it after I come home, I am reminded of the flow and fun of the Autocrat. But you never say so to yourself when you are sitting in his room.
I had arranged with my friend Mr. Sample that he should carry his camera to the house, and it was in gaps in this very conversation that the picture of both of us was taken. I told Doctor 101 Holmes how pleased I was at this chance of going to posterity under his escort.
I told him of the paper on Emerson which I had in hand, and thanked him, as well as I could, in a few words, for his really marvellous study of Emerson in the series of American authors. I said I really wanted to bring him my paper to read. What I was trying to do, was to show that the great idealist was always in touch with his time, and eager to know what, at the moment, were the real facts of American life.
I. I remember where Emerson stopped me on State Street once, to cross-question me about some details of Irish emigration.
Holmes. Yes, he was eager for all practical information. I used to meet him very often on Saturday evenings at the Saturday Club; and I can see him now, as he bent forward eagerly at the table, if any one were making an interesting observation, with his face like a hawk as he took in what was said. You felt how the hawk would be flying overhead and looking down on your thought at the next minute. I remember that I once spoke of “the three great prefaces,” and quick as light Emerson said, “What are the three great prefaces?” and I had to tell him.
I. I am sure I do not know what they are. What are they?
Holmes. They are Calvin’s to his “Institutes,” Thuanus’s to his history, and Polybius’s to his.
I. And I have never read one of them!