towards
delivering us from the _pedant_ method of treating Ireland. The
_beginning,_ as I think, of salvation (if he can prosper a
little) to England, and to all Europe as well. For they will all
have to learn that man does need government, and that an able-
bodied starving beggar is and remains (whatever Exeter Hall may
say to it) a _Slave_ destitute of a _Master;_ of which facts
England, and convulsed Europe, are fallen foundly ignorant in
these bad ages, and will plunge ever deeper till they rediscover
the same. Alas, alas, the Future for us is not to be made of
_butter,_ as the Platforms prophesy; I think it will be harder
than steel for some ages! No noble age was ever a soft one, nor
ever will or can be.--Your beautiful curious little discourse
(report of a discourse) about the English was sent me by Neuberg;
I thought it, in my private heart, one of the best words (for
_hidden_ genius lodged in it) I had ever heard; so sent it to
the _Examiner,_ from which it went to the _Times_ and all the
other Papers: an excellent sly little word.

Clough has gone to Italy; I have seen him twice,--could not
manage his hexameters, though I like the man himself, and
hope much of him. "Infidelity" has broken out in Oxford
itself,--immense emotion in certain quarters in consequence,
virulent outcries about a certain "Sterling Club," altogether
a secular society!

Adieu, dear Emerson; I had much more to say, but there is no
room. O, forgive me, forgive me all trespasses,--and love me
what you can!

Yours ever,
T. Carlyle

CXLI. Carlyle to Emerson

Scotsbrig, Ecclefechan, N.B., 13 August, 1849

Dear Emerson,--By all laws of human computation, I owe you a
letter, and have owed, any time these seven weeks: let me now
pay a little, and explain. Your _second_ Barrel of Indian Corn
arrived also perfectly fresh, and of admirable taste and quality;
the very bag of new-ground meal was perfect; and the "popped
corn" ditto, when it came to be discovered: with the whole of
which admirable materials such order was taken as promised to
secure "the greatest happiness to the greatest number"; and due
silent thanks were tendered to the beneficence of the unwearied
Sender:--but all this, you shall observe, had to be done in the
thick of a universal packing and household bustle; I just on the
wing for a "Tour in Ireland," my Wife too contemplating a run to
Scotland shortly after, there to meet me on my ret