ps and that voice
Of discontent and rapture and despair?
So, as in darkness, from the magic lamp,
The momentary pictures gleam and fade
And perish, and the night resurges--these
Shall I remember, and then all forget.

They're pretty second-rate, but felt. I can't be bothered to copy the
other.

I have bought 314-1/2 acres of beautiful land in the bush behind Apia;
when we get the house built, the garden laid, and cattle in the place,
it will be something to fall back on for shelter and food; and if the
island could stumble into political quiet, it is conceivable it might
even bring a little income.... We range from 600 to 1500 feet, have five
streams, waterfalls, precipices, profound ravines, rich tablelands,
fifty head of cattle on the ground (if any one could catch them), a
great view of forest, sea, mountains, the warships in the haven: really
a noble place. Some day you are to take a long holiday and come and see
us: it has been all planned.

With all these irons in the fire, and cloudy prospects, you may be sure
I was pleased to hear a good account of business. I believed _The
Master_ was a sure card: I wonder why Henley thinks it grimy; grim it
is, God knows, but sure not grimy, else I am the more deceived. I am
sorry he did not care for it; I place it on the line with _Kidnapped_
myself. We'll see as time goes on whether it goes above or falls below.

R. L. S.

TO E. L. BURLINGAME

The Editor of Scribner's Magazine had written asking him for fresh
contributions, and he sends the set of verses addressed to
Tembinoka, the king at Butaritari, and afterwards reprinted in
_Songs of Travel_, beginning "Let us who part like brothers part like
bards."

_S.S. _Luebeck_ [between Apia and Sydney, February] 1890_

MY DEAR BURLINGAME,--I desire nothing better than to continue my
relation with the Magazine, to which it pleases me to hear I have been
useful. The only thing I have ready is the enclosed barbaric piece. As
soon as I have arrived in Sydney I shall send you some photographs, a
portrait of Tembinoka, perhaps a view of the palace or of the "matted
men" at their singing; also T.'s flag, which my wife designed for him:
in a word, what I can do best for you. It will be thus a foretaste of my
book of travels. I shall ask you to let me have, if I wish it, the use
of the plates made, and to make up a little tract of the verses and
illustrations, of which you might send