d
will) that there has not been a man talking about us these very
many years whose words are worth the least attention in comparison.

"Post passing!" I must end, in mid-course; so much still
untouched upon. Thanks for Sampson & Co., and let them go their
course upon me. If I can see Mrs. --- about the end of September
or after, I shall be right glad:--but I fear she will have fled
before that?--

I am here in my native Country, riding, seabathing, living on
country diet,--uttering no word,--now into the fifth week; have
had such a "retreat" as no La Trappe hardly could have offered
me. A "retreat" _without cilices,_ thistle-mattresses; and with
_silent_ devotions (if any) instead of blockhead spoken ones to
the Virgin and others! There is still an Excursion to the
Highlands ahead, which cannot be avoided;--then home again to
_peine forte et dure._ Good be with you always, dear friend.

--T. Carlyle

CLXI. Carlyle to Emerson

Chelsea, 2 December, 1856

Dear Emerson,--I am really grieved to have hurt the feelings of
Mr. Phillips;* a gentleman to whom I, on my side, had no
feelings but those of respect and good will! I pray you smooth
him down again, by all wise methods, into at least good-natured
indifference to me. He may depend upon it I could not mean to
irritate him; there lay no gain for me in that! Nor is there
anything of business left now between us. It is doubly and
trebly evident those Stereotype Plates are not to him worth their
prime cost here, still less, their prime cost plus any vestige of
definite motive for me to concern myself in them:--whereupon the
Project falls on its face, and vanishes forever, with apologies
all round. For as to that other method, that is a game I never
thought, and never should think of playing at! You may also tell
him this little Biographical fact, if you think it will any way
help. Some ten or more years ago, I made a similar Bargain with
a New York House (known to you, and now I believe extinct): "10"
or something "percent," of selling price on the Copies Printed,
was to be my return--not for four or five hundred pounds money
laid out, but for various things I did, which gratis would by no
means have been done; in fine, it was their own Offer, made and
accepted in due form; "10 percent on the copies printed."

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* This refers to a proposed arrangement, which fell through, for
the publication in Amer