holly. For my part, I have given up deciding on how Hamlet should be
played: or rather have decided it shouldn't be played at all. I take
pleasure in reading things I don't wholly understand; just as the old
women like sermons: I think it is of a piece with an admiration of all
Nature around us. I think there is a greater charm in the half meanings
and glimpses of meaning that come in through Blake's wilder visions:
though his difficulties arose from a very different source from
Shakespeare's. But somewhat too much of this. I suspect I have found
out this as an useful solution, when I am asked the meaning of any thing
that I am admiring, and don't know it.

Believe me, dear Donne, to be ever your affectionate friend,

E. FITZGERALD.

* * * * *

FitzGerald spent the May term of 1834 at Cambridge 'rejoicing in the
sunshine of James Spedding's presence.'

_To John Allen_.

WHERSTEAD LODGE, IPSWICH. {28}
_June_ 31 (so) 1834.

DEAR MY JOHNNY,

I have been reading the Spectator since I have been here: and I like it
very much. Don't you think it would make a nice book to publish all the
papers about Sir Roger de Coverley alone, with illustrations by
Thackeray? It is a thing that is wanted: to bring that standard of the
old English Gentleman forward out of the mass of little topics, and
fashions, that occupy the greater part of the Spectator. Thackeray has
illustrated my Undine in about fourteen little coloured drawings--very
nicely. . . .

I am here in the country in brave health: rising at six withal: and
pruning of rose trees in the garden. Why don't you get up early? in the
summer at least. The next time we meet in town I mean to get an artist
to make me your portrait: for I often wish for it. It must be looking at
me. Now write very soon: else I shall be gone: and know that I am your
very true friend,

E. F. G.

GELDESTONE HALL, _Sept_. 9, [1834].

DEAR ALLEN,

I have really nothing to say, and I am ashamed to be sending this third
letter all the way from here to Pembrokeshire for no earthly purpose: but
I have just received yours: and you will know how very welcome all your
letters are to me when you see how the perusal of this one has excited me
to such an instant reply. It has indeed been a long time coming: but it
is all the more delicious. Perhaps you can't imagine how wistfully I
have looked for it: how, after a walk, my eyes have turned to the table,
on coming into the room, to see i