ike weakness; and no more do I. And
yet I have more than tolerance for Otto, whose faults are the faults of
weakness, but never of ignoble weakness, and who seeks before all to be
both kind and just. Seeks, not succeeds. But what is man? So much of
cynicism to recognise that nobody does right is the best equipment for
those who do not wish to be cynics in good earnest. Think better of
Otto, if my plea can influence you; and this I mean for your own
sake--not his, poor fellow, as he will never learn your opinion; but for
yours, because, as men go in this world (and women too), you will not go
far wrong if you light upon so fine a fellow; and to light upon one and
not perceive his merits is a calamity. In the flesh, of course, I mean;
in the book the fault, of course, is with my stumbling pen. Seraphina
made a mistake about her Otto; it begins to swim before me dimly that
you may have some traits of Seraphina?

With true ingratitude you see me pitch upon your exception; but it is
easier to defend oneself gracefully than to acknowledge praise. I am
truly glad that you should like my books; for I think I see from what
you write that you are a reader worth convincing. Your name, if I have
properly deciphered it, suggests that you may be also something of my
countrywoman; for it is hard to see where Monroe came from, if not from
Scotland. I seem to have here a double claim on your good nature: being
myself pure Scotch and having appreciated your letter, make up two
undeniable merits which, perhaps, if it should be quite without trouble,
you might reward with your photograph.--Yours truly,

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON.

TO SIDNEY COLVIN

Evidently written about the 10th of June, very soon after the
decision of Mr. Gladstone to dissolve Parliament on the defeat of the
Home Rule Bill (June 8). As to the _Travelling Companion_, see above,
p. 68.

[_Skerryvore, Bournemouth, June 1886._]

MY DEAR COLVIN,--I am in bed again--bloodie jackery and be damned to it.
Lloyd is better, I think; and money matters better; only my rascal
carcase, and the muddy and oily lees of what was once my immortal soul
are in a poor and pitiful condition.

LITANY
Damn the political situation
" you
" me
and
" Gladstone.

I am a kind of dam home ruler, worse luck to it. I would support almost
anything but that bill. How am I to vote? Great Caesar's Ghost!--Ever
yours,

R. L. S.