TO
THE PRINCE OF THE LYRIC POETS OF HIS DAY,
ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE.
My Dear Swinburne,
Accept the unequal exchange, my brass for your gold. Your "Poems and Ballads" began to teach the Philister what might there is in the music of language, and what the marvel of lyric inspiration, far subtler and more æthereal than mere poetry, means to the mind of man.
Without more ado, allow me to excuse this "transaction" by a something which comes from the East:—
"A poor man, passing by one day when his King travelled, brought him a little water with both hands, saying:—'Drink, my lord, for the heat is great.' He accepted it gladly from him, not looking to the small quality of that service, but only to the good-will with which it was offered."
Believe me ever,
Your old friend and fellow-traveller,
RICHARD F. BURTON.
Desterro, Trieste,
Sept. 25, 1884.
