[35] him so cleverly done. Tidings come constantly of Emerson's success in England. An article in “Blackwood,” and a very elaborate criticism in the Revue des Deux Mondes place him with Montaigne.To Richard Cobden, February 12:—
Though personally unknown to you (for you have doubtless forgotten the dinner at Mr. Parkes's in London, where I had the happiness of meeting you), I cannot forbear sending you my “God-speed” in the noble work you have undertaken. Pardon me if I express a hope that nothing may be allowed to prevent you from persevering in this great cause, which is nothing less than that of universal peace; your position of peculiar and commanding influence will enable you to render a service to it higher than has ever been rendered before. The soul aches in contemplating the annual wastes of Europe on armies and navies. Civilization demands the disarming of the nations. . . . Let me add that whatever you do or say is not merely for England, but for the civilized world, and that thousands of hearts which you know not will throb responsive to yours.To George Sumner, February 12:—
On the 5th February I remembered your birthday, and felt that you as well as myself had passed from the lists of young men. I did long to see you bringing your noble gifts and attainments to bear directly upon mankind, not by incidental and occasional productions, but by constant and daily efforts. I longed to see you make a mark not merely in society, but on human thought and conduct. Society is a pleasant pastime, but an unsatisfactory employment. The men of action in America are too indifferent to it, while in Europe, perhaps, it absorbs too much attention. But I find myself unconsciously running into a homily, all of which please set down to my interest in your happiness. Howe's report on idiots fills two hundred pages. He says that his studies of the cases in Massachusetts will enable him to present some curious generalizations. I doubt not his report will be a most important contribution to science. Prescott's heart seems to shrink before his vast stores of materials illustrating Philip II. With his waning sight, he fears that he cannot accomplish the work, and he has thought of executing some fraction only,—as for instance, the siege of Malta, the expedition of Don Sebastian, or the Dutch war. If he takes a part only, I have exhorted him to present a view of the origin and establishment of Dutch independence. This would be an important theme with a proper unity.To J. G. Palfrey, February 22:—
Let me recommend to you to procure a book, “The past, the present, and the future,” by H. C. Carey, a work of political economy and speculation. It makes for peace strongly, showing the true policy of peace. Though the writer is a free-trader, he is obliged to admit what he calls self-defensive tariffs; but argues finally for “direct taxes.” This is towards the close of the book. I think you will find much in it that will help some of your present
