Page:Life of William Blake, Gilchrist.djvu/233

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ÆT. 44—46.]
LETTERS TO BUTTS.
181


I ought long ago to have sent you. Pray forgive errors in omission of this kind. I am incapable of many attentions which it is my duty to observe towards you, through multitude of employment, and through hope of soon seeing you again. I often omit to inquire of you, but pray let me now hear how you do, and of the welfare of your family.

Accept my sincere love and respect.

I remain yours sincerely,
William Blake.

A piece of seaweed serves for barometer, and gets wet and dry as the weather gets so.

Dear Sir,

After I had finished my letter, I found that I had not said half what I intended to say, and in particular I wish to ask you what subject you choose to be painted on the remaining canvas which I brought down with me (for there were three), and to tell you that several of the drawings were in great forwardness. You will see by the inclosed account that the remaining number of drawings which you gave me orders for is eighteen. I will finish these with all possible expedition, if indeed I have not tired you, or, as it is politely called, bored you too much already; or, if you would rather cry out, Enough, off, off! Tell me in a letter of forgiveness if you were offended, and of accustomed friendship if you were not. But I will bore you more with some verses which my wife desires me to copy out and send you with her kind love and respect. They were composed above a twelvemonth ago, while walking from Felpham to Lavant, to meet my sister:—

With happiness stretched across the hills,
In a cloud that dewy sweetness distils.
With a blue sky spread over with wings.
And a mild sun that mounts and sings;
With trees and fields, full of fairy elves.
And little devils who fight for themselves.
Remembering the verses that Hayley sung
When my heart knock'd against the root of my tongue,
With angels planted in hawthorn bowers,
And God Himself in the passing hours;
With silver angels across my way.
And golden demons that none can stay;
With my father hovering upon the wind,
And my brother Robert just behind,
And my brother John, the evil one.