hourly in the spirit, and see him in my remembrance, in the regions of my imagination. I hear his advice, and even now write from his dictate. Forgive me for expressing to you my enthusiasm, which I wish all to partake of, since it is to me a source of immortal joy, even in this world. By it I am the companion of angels. May you continue to be so more and more; and to be more and more persuaded that every mortal loss is an immortal gain. The ruins of Time build mansions in Eternity.
I have also sent a proof of "Pericles"[1] for your remarks, thanking you for the kindness with which you express them, and feeling heartily your grief with a brothers sympathy.—I remain, dear Sir, your humble servant, William Blake.
9.
Extract from a Letter to George Cumberland.[2]
Lambeth, 2nd July 1800.
... I have to congratulate you on your plan for a National Gallery being put into execution. All
- ↑ "Pericles," from a bust in the possession of Charles Townley, Esq., published 14th June 1800, by Cadell & Davis, Strand. It is the frontispiece to An Essay on Sculpture, in a series of Epistles [in verse] to John Flaxman, by William Hayley, 1800.
- ↑ The original autograph (2½ pp. 4to) of this letter was sold at Sotheby's, 11th April 1893. I have been unable to trace its present whereabouts, and so print so much of it as is given in the sale catalogue.
