There were a few
indispensable corrections made and sent to the printer, which he
reserved to be corrected on the plates, but of which no revise was
ever sent to me; and as good publish no book as leave these
_errata_ unexpunged. Then there is one quatrain, to which his
notice was not called, for which I wish to substitute another. So I
entreat you not to finish the book except for the fire until I come.
As the public did not die for the book on the 1st January, I presume
they can sustain its absence on the 1st April.... Though I do not know
that your courage will really hold out to publish it on the 1st April
if I were quite ready."
Again in the same spirit he writes to his editor and publisher:--
You ask in your last note for "Leasts and Mosts" for the "Atlantic."
You have made me so popular by your brilliant advertising and
arrangements (I will say, not knowing how to qualify your social
skill) that I am daily receiving invitations to read lectures far and
near, and some of these I accept, and must therefore keep the readable
lectures by me for a time, though I doubt not that this mite, like the
mountain, will fall into the "Atlantic" at last.
Ever your debtor, R. W. EMERSON.
At another time he wrote:--
"I received the account rendered of the Blue and Gold Edition of the
'Essays' and 'Poems.' I keep the paper before me and study it now and
then to see if you have lost money by the transaction, and my
prevailing impression is that you have.
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