THE RANDALL FAMILY I91
ual and of society, as living facts, can we understand the ethical constitution of the universe itself, as the absolute condition of those living facts. This, at bottom, despite all semblance to the contrary, was Randall's substantial and abiding conviction, shining through all he ever said or wrote, shining brightly in the close of his letter above, and shining most brightly of all in the sublime prayer with which he ends "The Metamorphoses of Longing," and of which the close of this letter is but a paraphrase in prose. He was never, except in fleeting moods, an agnostic.
But I will give here the last letter I ever had from my friend, about five years before his death : —
Boston, Wednesday, [March] 23rd, 1887. Dear Frank,
Your letter was received some time ago, and I arrived soon after [from Stow]. Indeed, I was staying only on necessary business, and for as brief a time as possible. Annie, having become sick, left me and my sister wholly alone about a week ago, and I could not well answer you sooner. I notice you say that you "think much," and must have made up your opinion on the apparently ap- proaching revolution ; on which I had written four pages, when, remembering that you only asked about my health, I will say that there is no marked change, and I know not that there is likely to be. I will ask if the direction on my note is the right one, for I know not if you or the dead letter office will receive it.
In regard to the famous letter written many years ago by Lord Macaulay to Henry S. Randall, author of " Life of Jefferson," the " Transcript " says that the demand for it is so great that it publishes it periodically. This it did about a week ago, and I have had it put within reach. I have had frequent occasion for it for many years past.
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