' It was
pretty to see the enthusiasm of the girls, and to hear what Celia
Thaxter called their 'virile applause.'"
During the same season Emerson consented to give a series of readings
in Boston. He was not easily persuaded to the undertaking until he
felt assured of the very hearty cooeperation which the proposed title
of "Conversations" made evident to him. The following note will give
some idea of his feeling with regard to the plan.
CONCORD, 24th February, 1872.
DEAR ----: You are always offering me kindness and eminent privileges,
and for this courageous proposition of "Conversations on Literature
with Friends, at Mechanics' Hall," I pause and poise between pleasure
and fear. The name and the undertaking are most attractive; but
whether it can be adequately attempted by me, who have a couple of
tasks which Osgood and Company know of, now on my slow hands, I
hesitate to affirm. Well, the very proposal will perhaps arm my head
and hands to drive these tasks to a completion. And you shall give me
a few days' grace, and I will endeavor to send you a considerate
answer.
Later, in March, he wrote:--
"For the proposed 'Conversations,' which is a very good name, I
believe I must accept your proposition frankly, though the second week
of April looks almost too near."
As the appointed time approached, a fresh subject for nervousness
suggested itself, which the following note will explain:--
CONCORD, 12th April, 1872.
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