Page:The letters of William Blake (1906).djvu/215

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LETTERS OF WILLIAM BLAKE.
149

fit not to print; so you see he is spiritually adjoined to us. His connection throughout England, and indeed Europe and America, enable him to circulate publications to an immense extent, and he told Mr. Hoare that on the present work, which he proposes to commence with your assistance, he can afford to expend £2000 a year. Mr. Phillips considers you as the great leading character in literature, and his terms to others will amount to only one quarter of what he proposes to you. I send, enclosed, his terms, as Mr. Hoare, by my desire, has given them to me in writing. Knowing your aversion to reviews and reviewing, I consider the present proposal as peculiarly adapted to your ideas. It may be called a defence of literature against those pests of the press, and a bulwark for genius, which shall, with your good assistance, disperse those rebellious spirits of envy and malignity. In short, if you see it as I see it, you will embrace this proposal on the score of parental duty. Literature is your child. She calls for your assistance! You, who never refuse to assist any, how remote soever, will certainly hear her voice. Your answer to the proposal you will, if you think fit, direct to Mr. Hoare, who is worthy of every confidence you can place in him.—I am, dear Sir, your anxiously devoted,

Will. Blake.