i8da UC-NRLF B 3 311 731 llHil iili mii.\\\\i M M'' V 7 a^- 7///f3. SOME STRAY LETTERS PROFESSOR RUSKIN. STRAY LETTERS PROFESSOR RUSKIN A LONDON BIBLIOPOLE. .•^:. ,. , -i,,.^uj: % 1892. London : Pj-ivatcly Printed (Not for Sate.) THE IMPRESSION OF THIS U(><)K IS LIMITED TO A FKW COIMES FOR Private Circulation only. IVI138173 CONTENTS. , . PAGE I'KEFACE XV LETTER I. Corpus Chiisli College, Oxford. iTth February, 1870 ■ • . . 3 LETTER n. Denmark Hill, London, S.E. 25/// February, 1870 .... 4 LETTER I IF. Geneva, Sth May, 1870 5 LETTER IV. Denmark Hill, London, S.E. 1871 6 LETTER V. Corpus Christi College, O.xford. 2^1 h August, 1872 .... 7 viii CONrENTS. i'AGE I.ETTEK VI. Brantwood, Coniston, I-ancs. l()i/i September, 1872 . . . 8 Lia'TER vn. Brantwood, Coniston, Lanes. yd January, 1874 . . 10 I. K ITER VIII. Brantwood, Coniston, Lanes. January, 1874 12 I.KITER I.\. Rome. yd June, 1874 13 l.EITKR X. Denmark Hill, London, S.E. 2nd Novf/n/ur, 1874 . . . . i^ LETTER XI. Denniaik Hill, London, S.E. 1874 r7 LETTER XII. Denmark Hill, London. S.E. 1874 18 CONTENTS. i.\ PACK LETTKR XIII. Kirby Lonsdale.. Z^th January, 1875 • • • • '9 LETTER XIV. Heme Hill, London, S. K. 1875 22 LETTER XV. Aylesbury, zdth A fay, 1875 24 LETTER XVI. Aylesbury, May or June, 1S75 . . . 26 LETTER XVH. George Inn, .\yles])ury, June, 1875 2S LETTER XVIII. George Inn, Aylesbury, /une, 1875 29 LETTER XIX. London, I'jthjune, 1875 30 X COA'TEN'JS. lAGt LETTER XX. Lichfield, T,oik June, 1875 32 LETTER XXI. Ijolton Bridge, 4//i February, 1875 .... 33 LETTER XXII. Brantwood, Coniston. Lanes. lydjnly, 1876 36 LETTER XXIII. Brantwood, Coniston. Lanes. 9///. October, 1877 . . . . 37 LETTER XXIV. Brantwood, Coniston, Lanes. 'Jth May, 187S 39 LETTER XXV. Buck Lin, Malham, 2,rd Alio list, 187S . . 42 LETTER XX\ I. Brantwood, Coniston, Lanes. \- is a jest — the story is this. Mt. Ruskin saw in Mr. E hs's possession a fine copy of Capriccios de Goya (a Spanish artist. 1746 — 1828), ard justly commented on its hideousness. adding that "it W.1S only fit to be burnt." Mr. EUis agreed with him ; and putting the vokinie int^j the empty grate (for it Was in August), he and Mr. Ruskin set light to it, and the book was burned to ashes. J01I.\' RUSKLW 9 Also the best modem French Dic- tionary, and Kingsley's book on heroes. Also the oldest, if attainable, and the best, not modern, edition of (Italian) Vasari. Ever truly yrs., J. Rlskin. lo LETTERS OE LETTER VIL Br ANT WOOD, CoNiSTON, Lancashire. January yd, 1874. My Dear Ellis, I am greatly delighted with )-our letter because, as far as I can guess, it lets me hope you really can come down just now ; and I am in a state of dis- quiet with myself from having nobody else to speak to, which will make it a special charity to me if you will, — the rather that there are very few people whom T. would ask ; many of my best friends having angles, which get into my ribs and hurt me, when we are living together. But I particularly want you to come, because I think you will cnjuy JO} IX RUSK IN. 1 1 a wintiy clay or two (as many as you can spare, please) in the extreme quiet of this place, and you always help and never hurt me. If this thaw holds, travelling will be as safe as usual to-morrow ; and if you can tell me what day you can come, I will send a carriage for you to the Windermere Station, which you can easily reach now by daylight. I will write however to-morrow what trains are best. I can't ascertain to-day, for they change (probably) at the New Year, and I haven't got the new time- bill. Ever very gratefully yours, J. RUSKIN. LETTERS OF LETTER Vni. Brantvvood, CoNisTON, Lancashire. January, 1874. My Dear Ellis, Saturday will do delightfully for me. I trust the weather may be a little in better humour for you also. How good of you to go to the " tea- shop " ; * and I'm so glad of your report, and must really get up my signs. Ever most truly yours, J. R[uskin]. * This w.as the " tea shop " near Wigmore Street, where Mr. Ruskin started two of his mother's old servants in business. (See Fors Clavigera, Nos. 4S and 67.) JOHN RUSK IN. LETTER IX. Rome. June yd, 1874. My Dear Ellis, I had your kind note, and am heartily glad you were able to get the books for my young and old lady friends. I have been taking a course of Emile Gaboriau to acquaint myself with modern Paris : he seems to me to have a wonderful knowledge of the town and its evils. As specimens of its average middle class literature, these novels generally beginning with a murder, and having some form of theft, or delicate form of adultery, for principal subject — all through, are highly curious. But from all I see and read we are advanc- 14 LETTERS OF ing faster to revolutions, and miseries of the horriblest kind, than I ever dreamed ; and I have not taken a cheerful view of matters this many a day. This Italy is in an unspeakably fearful and perilous state. My Oxford men * can, I hope, bear being laughed at. They are the only sane ones I know of — but I wish I had seen the correspondence about them. Ever yours most truly and obliged, J. RUSKIN. Kind regards to Mr. White. My address is : Poste restarite, Assisi. * " My Oxford men " ; i.e. some undergraduates (Mr. Ruskin's disciples at ( )xford) who, about the date of the letter, had undertaken to make a roadway throua:h the ha?]ilet of Hinrksey, near Oxfori — upon Mr. Ruskin's suggestion that they should apply their physical strength to something yielding a tangible result. The "correspondence" referred to was simply some letters in the newspapers (as silly as usual) on the subject. JOHN RUSK IN. 15 LETTER X. Denmark Hill, London, S.E. November 2nd, [1874.] Dear Mr. Ellis, The Somville * has come, and is deHghtful. If / saw my way clearly to every- thing but the binding, I should not be much troubled about that. But of course it " must be thought on." — I wish we were ready for it. However, I am fairly at work. I have resolved to take Chaucer's Dream in- stead of The Flower and the Leaf, and I think I can make a very pretty and ' A I rdicli book on Art. 1 6 LETTERS OF useful introduction to everything out of it.* Ever most truly yours, J. RUSKIN. F. S. Ellis, Esq. * This refers to a series of early English reprints, to be furnished with Introductions by himself, which Mr. Ruskin at that time contemplated publishing through jVIr. Ellis. His suggestion that TJic Floiver and the Leaf'ii, not now esteemed to be by Chaucer caused the change. Unfortunately the same difficulty applies to Chaucer's Dream. jonx Rusk'j.w 17 LETTER XI. Denmark Hili,, London, S.E. [1874.] Dear Mr. Ellis, Will you please find and send me the best authoritative edition of Chaucer.* I don't mean an early expensive edition, even if you could find one ; but the best modern one, what anybody wishing now to read Chaucer would be obliged to put up with. Also, I am perpetually referred in mine to " Du Cange." I don't know who " Du Cange " is, but I want him, please, t Yours most truly, J. RUSKIN. * There was no "authoritative " edition of Chaacer in 1874 — and there is not one to-day. t L)u Cange Glossariuin ad scriptorcs lucdur el iii_fuiial Futures in the Royal Academy., No. vi., 1875. JOHN RUSK IN. 23 tliem exclusively in London. No — I can't say that, neither — for if other booksellers wanted them I could not refuse ; but I will take no measures for regular sale except from your counter, — if you will allow it. They'll be out next week, very early I hope. Ever alTectionately yours, J. RUSKIN. May I put, on title—"" G. Allen, Sunnyside, and F. S. Ellis, 29, New Bond Street " ? 24 IJ£TTERS OF LETTER XV Aylesbury. May 26th, 1S75. My Dear Ellis, I am very glad to have been brouglit here at this moment ;— the hawthorn, and buttercups with clover, purple and gold, being beyond anything I ever yet dreamed of in England ; and the walks through it all so heavenly. By enclosed note you will see that if I allow ^20 per 1,000, or ^£2 per 100, I am well guarded as to cost. Then if you give me ;£'3 loi'. for the hundred, we have both 30 per cent. — ■ which seems to me pleasant and fair? And you can do just as you please JOHi\' RUSK IN. 25 about the booksellers, none shall have any but you and Allen. Mrs. Severn is greatly amused by playing at agency, and has taken orders for 50 or so. She is to have 100, — the first parcel of thera sent. Other send- ings you can order from Jowett* at your own pleasure, but I am still un- easy at the idea of the trouble you will have for so small a matter. I think Fors for June, though de- layed for a day or two, won't be a bad one ; for the biography, simple though it be, amuses me myself as it comes into my head, and the correspondence tickles me. Always faithfully yours, J. RUSKIN. * The Manager at Messrs. Watson and Hazell's printing works at Aylesbury. 26 LETTERS OF LETTER XVI. Aylesbury. \_May 01- June, 1875.] My Dear Ellis, It's immensely good of you under- taking the book together with Allen. I've ordered the title-page, with double publisher, by this post. Such a bother as the thing has been to me ; — one can't see the pictures for the crowd, and I miss some, and over-rate others, again and again. But there's a nice spicy flavour in it now, I think — as a whole — quite a " loving cup " for the Academy. I get my full revise to-morrow, and send for press on Monday. You will have all you want sent you on the same terms as Allen ; and please, offer it in JOHN RUSK IN. If any way you think best to the other booksellers, and to the public — only don't advertise in newspapers. Gratefully yours, J. R[uskin]. LETTERS OE LETTER XVII. George Inn, Aylesbury. [/««.', 1875.] Dear Ellis, Notes ready, price i^. I hope to be sent on Friday, — Can't tell the trade price till to-morrow, but it will be reasonable, I doubt not. The thing is bigger than I meant — fifty-six pages.* Mr. Jowett, Printing Works, Ayles- bury, will receive all directions from you. I'm here till Friday. Ever faithfully yours, J. R[uskin]. * As a matter of fact the pamphlet consists of Cfty- nine pages. JOHN RUSK IN. 29 LETTER XVIII. [George Inn, Aylesbury. June, 1875.] My Dear Ellis, At the last moment I discover two fatal mistakes * in my last sheet of Notes, and must cancel it, and you can't have them now till Tuesday. In case you get your packet, mind you send none out ; but I hope I've stopped them. They'll be ready on Tuesday. Ever gratefully yours, J. R[uskin]. * Merely misprints, to rectify which the sheet was cancelled. 30 LETTERS OF LETTER XIX. [London.] June 2Tih, 1875. My Dear Ellis, I wonder if I've by any chance lost a letter of yours, for I haven't had a single word since the Notes came out — and I expected some compliments ! — and am disappointed ! Please send me just a little line, when you come home again, to Brantwood ; though I shan't be there till Wednesday week, I believe, — • but they'll know where I am. I left a packet of autographs (the re- fuse of that nice parcel, which seemed to me to spoil the rest) in Bond St. the other day. If they're the least use to anybody you can put them in auction. JOHN RUSK IN. 31 or allow me for them ; if not, send them to care of Arthur Burgess, 73 Mont- pelier Road, Peckham, S.E. Always affectionately yours, J. R[uskin]. LETTERS GF LETTER XX. Lichfield. June 2,0th, 1875. My Dear Ellis, I have just seen an article in the Telegraph on Dr. Schliemann — the ex- cavator in the Troad — which refers to his "autobiography." I am intensely desirous to see this, but fear there may be no translation. Can you refer me to any completer account of the grand fellow than this absurd Telegraph one ? Write to Bolton Abbey. Ever affectionately yours, J. RUSKIN. F. S. ElliSy Esq. JOHN R US KIN. LP'.T'IER XXI. Bolton Bridc.k. july^t/i, 1875. ^1y Dear Ellis, I am really very glad of your two delightful letters, this oi June I'iih only reaching me to-day — and being espe- cially helpful to me in all ways, but chiefly in what you say of the short letter I wrote to The World. It is so very valuable to me in confirmation of errors which it has taken me long to make entirely definite even to myself, and which I feared would remain more than disputable to men actively engaged in business. It is this sympathy with my ways of thought whicii renders me always anxious to know if my books have given you pleasure. K 34 LETTERS OF Your letters to-day have brightened an ah-eady bright forenoon, the first fair one we have had on our journey ; and a walk on the moorland, in the upper reach of ^Vharfdale, has given me more feeling of return to life than has come to me since those dark days which you helped me to bear patiently (except for your sake) at Coniston. If at any time you like to follow my, really not unwise, example in this way of travelling, and bring Mrs. Ellis to Coniston to see our fine cascade, you would really find it little else than one delightful park-drive all the way, in the line I have taken — Oxford — Warwick —Lichfield — Ashbourne — Castleton — Wakefield — and here. There is nothing but the actual towns of Sheffield, Wake- field, and Tweeds to pass of entire ugli- ness ; the country is beautiful, even between Wakefield and Leeds ; and the drive from Castleton commands one of the finest moorland views in England. JOHN RUSK IN. 35 I shall certainly ])e at Coniston for two months from this time, and Mr. and Mrs. Severn would help rne to make the visit as pleasant as we could for you both. Ever faithfully and gratefully yours, J. RUSKIN. 36 LETTERS OF LETTER XXII. Bkantvvood, CoNfSToN, Lancashire. July 2T,rd, 1876. Dear Ellis, Alas, I can give you too perfect satisfaction ! The Loire drawing, of which this oil is a coi^y, 7uas mine, and is now at Oxford — where I gave it to the sciiools. This copy ought to be traced. It is a dexterous and most criminal imita- tion.* Ever yours in flying haste, J. RUSKIN. * This wa"; a (probably) spurious Turner, which had been offered for sale to Mr. Ellis, in perfectly good faith, by a Mr. B , once a pupil of Mr. Ruskin's. Its origin was never traced, and Mr. ICllis declined to purchase it. JOHN RUSK IN. LETTER XX I IT. Brantwood, CoNiSTON, Lancashire. {October ^th, 1S77.] Dear Ellis, I have never answered your kind letter of gentle remonstrance with me, for asking you to get what could not be gotten. But I am very glad to know the rarity of that old German Bible,* though 1 am very sorry for it, for its cuts are splendid, — nearly all, I believe, designed by Holbein ; and the Apocalypse cuts especially seem to me originals by Holbein, afterwards taken and enlarged by Durer. But I forget all about the dates and relations * The edition of Froschover, Basle, 1536. L 38 LETTERS OF of these two men — and my days grow shorter and fewer, and I've no time to look. You will be sorry to hear of a trouble I've had this last ten days, in Mrs. Severn's illness. The danger is past, her doctor says (and he is a good one, to whom I am profoundly grate- ful). But I've had a terrible fright, and feel now stunned a little, and giddy, and can't remember dates. Please can you find for me Sedg- wick's Letters on Lake district 7 It is a lovely district to day ; cloud- less, and the lake* an expanse of boiling blue like the blue of ground ivy. Kindest regards to Mr. White. t Ever affectionately yours, J. R[uskin]. * Coniston Water. 1 Mr. White, — Mr. Ellis's business partner. JOHN RUSK IN. 39 LETTER XXIV. Brantwood, CoNiSTON, Lancashire. May ith, 1878. My Dear Ellis, I do not doubt your being pleased to hear, from myself, that I have once more dodged the doctors ; and hope, henceforward, with Heaven's help, to keep them out of the house, — at least till I lose my wits again.* I'm picking them up at present, here and there, like the cock with the pomegranate grains in the Arabian Nights ; which I find just now my best "entertain- ments " — after the spring flowers. * See note at foot of p. 71 of Letters icpon Subjects of General Interest from John Rnskin to various Corre- spondents ; London, privatoly printed, 1892. 40 LETTERS OF These last have had no " doctoring." in my wood ; and grow — and do — as they like exactly ; which I perceive to be the intention of Providence that they — and I — s/iould, and propose to follow their good example as I best can. Above all, never to write any business letters, — except when I want to buy books, or missals ! You haven't anything in that way, have you, to tell me of ? At any rate, will you please at once set your Paris agents to look out for all the copies that come up, at any sale, of Rousseau's Botaniqiie with coloured plates, 1805 — and buy all they can get ; t which, on receiving (if ever a kind Fors sends some) you will please forward to Allen's forthwith, to be kept in store for a St. George's Guild school-book. Pm not allowed to write letters t Mr. Ellis was unable to obtain any copies of Rousseau's Bolanique - so far as his memory serves him. JOHN R US KIN. 41 by Joan* yet ! — but shall coax her to let this one go, now it's written ; and am ever Affectionately yours, J. RUSKIN. Mind, this order for Rousseau is quite serious. I am working on Proserpina steadily, and that edition is out and out the best elementary botany existing. * Mrs. Arthur Severn. LETTERS OF LETTER XXV. Buck Inn, Malham. August 7,rd, 1878. Dear Ellis, I was very heartily sorry not to see you again before leaving town, to assure you how much I was pleased with Jones's work, * and much else derivative from it, in the Grosvenor. I shall be compelled to disturb my peace among the hills here by giving Master Mallockt his' pickle in next Nineteenth Century. Will you kindly get this book for me, and send it here : The Earth, by * Mr. Burne-Jones's Golden Stairs. t Mr. W. H. Mallock, author of The New Re- public, &c. JOHN RUSK IN. 43 Elise'e Rdclus ! and, if it is getable, I want a nice copy of James Forbes's Travels ifi the Alps sent to my godson Phil. Burne Jones, at the Grange. Ever your affectionate J. RUSKIN. 44 LETTERS OF LETTER XXVI. Brantwood, CoNisTON, Lancashire. May igt/i, 1879. Dear Papa * Ellis, How are you ? and what are you about ? Cataloguing, or buying ? You happy creature. And I hav'nt bought a bit of MS. this six months ! and have left your account unpaid, hav'nt I ? Please just send me brief word what it is, and I'll remit. But I write to ask about enclosed gentleman's MS., which I left with you for your opinion. Can you give me * This appellative originated from a remonstrance Mr. KUis had addressed to Mr. Ruskin, on his declared intention of denuding himself of his entire fortune and property— an intention which appeared to be perfectly serious. JOHN RUSK IN. 45 any price for it? If so, please write to the owner, and make your offer. And, I want a nicely bound edition of Scott's mixed prose and poetry, if there is one ; but especially of Paul's Letters. And, I shall have a great lot of old books to sell, now I've done witii Oxford. Would you manage it for me ? And I am always, Your affectionate and obedient, J. RUSKIN. 46 LETTERS OF LETTER XXVII. Brantivood, CoNisTON, Lancashire. February, 1881. My Dear Ellis, I've been speechless with indignation since you let go that Guy Mafinering MS,,* but suppose I must forgive papa Ellis, — especially since I want some- thing of him ! Please, will you get me a good edition of Julian the Apostate. I find I've got to read him, at least a good lot of him, very carefully, before I can do a sentence more of The Bible of Amiens ! * The MSS. of Sir Walter Scott's Guy Manturing and St. Ronati's Well were sold by auction in 1881 ; liut as they went for a higher price than Mr. Elhs considered they were worth, he would not buy them for Mr. Ruskin. JOHN RUSK IN. 47 Gibbon quotes the Leipsic edition at the beginning of the 24th chapter (vol. iv. of my Gibbon). But any big print will do, and don't be long, for I'm dying to be at him. Ever your much injured, but dutiful, J. R[uskin]. ^S LETTERS OF LETTER XXVin. Brantwood, CoNisTON, Lancashire. February idth, i88r. Dear ' Papa ' Ellis, I've a particular reason for writing to you to clay — especially because I am really angry with you for being so much of a Papa; and I have seen that you were quite right, and I'm en- tirely and deeply grateful to you. And yet I'm going to be as extravagant as ever at heart, but can't tell you now. Ever your affectionate John Ruskin. JOHN RUSKIN. 49 LETTER XXIX. Brantwood, CoNisTON, Lancashire. February [i88l]. Dear Papa Ellis, Wh)-, am not la" boy " ? — and shouldn't I like to be more of one than I am ! And I wish your old head was on my young shoulders. What on Earth do you go missing chance after chance like that for ! I'd rather have lost a catch at cricket than that St. J^onati's. Do please get it anyhow for me this once. I can't telegraph — the nasty people won't let me send a man — and — there's the bell ringing for dinner ! so LETTERS OF Seriously, my dear Ellis, I do want you to secure every Scott manuscript that comes into the market. Carte bla?iche as to price — / can trust your honour ; and you may trust, believe me, my solvency. But I am deeply grateful for the more than kind feeling which checks you in our bids. Go calml)', but unflinchingly, in next time — and never fear, for Ever your loving, Son George. JOHN RUSKIX. 51 LETTER XXX. Brantwood, CoxiSTON, Lancashire. Tuesday, March 22nd, 18S1. My Dear Papa Ellis, I have just found yours of date Feb. 11th, — which I suppose I must have packet away in a confused parcel of other things, just before a nasty attack of that overwork illness I had three years ago, came on again. I'm well through it, I hope ; but the St. Ronaiis Well MS. will be a wonder- ful balsam to my wounded soul, and more or less broken head. Send it on instantly, if you've got it. Of course I can trust my good old papa Ellis about price, &c. 52 LETTERS OF Answer this, or please let Mr. ^Vhitc answer, to me, at once. Ever your grateful and affectionate, John Ruskin. Hand shaky a little, just yet, — no- thing wrong really with head or heart, thank God ! JOHN RUSKIA'. 53 LETTER XXXI. Brantwood, CoMSTON, Lancashire. Thursday, March 2^th, 1881. Dear Papa Ellis, Your telegram last night gave me pleasant sleep; and your letter this morning, eager anticipation of the parcel by this afternoon's rail. There will be no question about my keeping the MS., — but my reason for espe- cially Avishing to possess this one, is widely otiier than you suppose. I cannot but confess myself much mortified that (whether as my papa, or my — may I say — admirer? in literary effort) Papa Ellis should never have read my classification of Scott's novels 54 LETTERS OF in my essays on Fictio?i in the Ni7te- teenth Century ! You will there see that St. Ronan's Well is marked as pre-eminently char- acteristic of the condition of clouded and perverted intellect under which Scott suffered, at intervals, ever since his first attack of gout in the stomach. These two attacks of mine have been wholly on the brain — and, I believe, conditions merely of passing inflammation. But the pheno- mena of the two forms of disease are intensely important to me, in relation to my future treatment of myself. I am buying Scott's and other manu- scripts, observe now, for my future Museum; and shall without hesita- tion add to the Scott series when any addition is possible. Ever gratefully and affectionately yours, J. RUSKIX. F. S. Ellis, Esq. JOHN RUSK IN. 55 LETTER XXXII. Brantwood, CoNisTON, Lancashire. March 2i,/h, i88l. My Dear Ellis, There is no doubt of my keeping the MS.,* unless I get sold up, books and all. It is more amazing to me than I can tell you to find it as steady as the others in the hand — even the part he had to re-write to please his accursed printer. I hope your box and key will come safe back to you. Did you get a letter from me a month back, asking you to look out for a dainty old Iliad, of some good large type, for me ? • The autograph manuscript of one of Sir WaUer Scotl's novels— probably IVoodslock. 56 LETTERS OF Please, also, I want to know the best large type edition now extant of Carlyle's earlier books, — chiefly the Past aftd Present. Also of Richard- son's Clarissa; and of Miss Edge- worth's Orinond (or Harringtofi and Or?nond), and Helen. Ever your grateful " scapegrace," J. R[uskin]. JOHN RUSK IN. LETTER XXXIII. Brantwood, CONISTON, LaNXASHIRE. March zith, 1881. Mv Dear Papa Ellis, I am more grateful than you could at all believe for your thought for me. I am so desolate in this world, that the sense of any one's really watching over me, and caring about me in a useful way, is like balm and honey. But you needn't be anxious. I will tell you by the first or second day's post, this coming week, exactly what I am doing, and why. These books are really bought for the Sheffield or other St. George's Museums ; and I, with one foot — and perhaps one knee — in 58 LETTERS OE the grave, have only to catalogue and describe them. But, I daresay, I shall be able to stand on one leg, and keep my head above ground yet awhile ; — only you really needn't care how much I'm worth at the Bank — where the wild thyme does not blow ! Yes, I was fuort'ified — deaf/iihed — by your never having seen those Scott letters ! I thought everybody read the Ni7ieteenth Century, and that these papers on Fiction would be matter of gossip all over Town ! Such my vanity ! and I haven't heard a word of them from any human soul ! Ever your affectionate (but much crushed), J. R[uskin]. JOHN RISK IN. 59 LETTER XXXIV. BRAMWU(_)f), CoxiSTON, Laxcashiri:. May ijt/i, 1 88 1. My Dear Ellis, I am exceedingly delighted by your kindness in sending me these drawings. I shall send over to the station this afternoon for them : and, as I doubt not they will be there at latest by the six train, I shall be able to examine and dispatch again to-morrow, quite easily.* * The drawings referred to were two designs or cups or chalices — supposed to be by Holbein, and so described by Mr. Reid, Keeper of the Prints at the British Museum. They were included in an immense illustrated copy of Walpole's /V/wi't'rj— enlarged into i8 vols, f.ilio, by a Mr Bull, a friend of Walpole's Mr. A. C. Swinburne had inherited the volumes, with others of a like kind. 6o l.ETTllRS OF I can tell Holbein at a glance, and so, it seemed to me, could Mr, Reid, whose judgment I have found fine and trustworthy beyond any person's I know, in his own branch of Art — (more's the pity ! he got hold of the best sepia drawing by Turner in the world !) And if he wished to bid, I've no doubt the drawings are all right, and that I shall return them with carte blanche to you. I shall keep the lovely edition of Sidonis,* with sincerest thanks for all your good help lately. I am daily in expectation of the finish of the lawyers with a bit of business, which ended, you shall have cheque for St. Ro7iai{ s,\ and all, at once. They were sold at Sotheby's in i83o, and bo'ight by Mr. Ellisfor£i,8oo. The volumes were then broken up, and the contents sold by auction as separate drawings and prints. 'J'he two drawings in question were bought by Mr. W. Mitchell, a well-known collector, who esteemed them to be genuine examples of Holbein. They were probably re-sold with the rest of his drawings at Berlin, about 1890 or i?qi. * Sidonii Apollinaris Opera, folio. t The autograph MS. nf.SV. Ronnii's ]\',-ll. JOIIX IWSKJX. 6i I am doing as good work as ever, / think, at Amiens.^ The second chai)ter will have some bits more in the old Stones of Vefiia manner, than I've troubled myself to write lately. Ever affectionately and gratefully yours, J. RUSKIN. * The Bible of Amiens, Chap. 2, Under the Dra- chenfels. pulilished in Dec. 1S81. 6: LETTERS OF LETTER XXXV. IjRANTWOOD, CONISTOX, Lancashirk. [i88r.] Dear Eltjs, I only send you the last of the Scott papers \ * for I can't find the first ; and the middle ones won't read right without it (the readers, fool enough, complained that it would !). Please you must get for me— and read, if you like, first — Numbers 43, SeJ>f. 1880, 42, Aiig: 1880, and, I believe, 40, Jime^ 1880. But please find out; and send me this one back when you've read what you can of it * Fiction, Fair and Foul, which appeared in the Xinetcentli Century. JOHX RUSKJN. 63 — and the others with the //nV, when you've read what you like of it,~whicli I hope you will, some. Ever your affectionate, J. R[lskix] 64 LirriiiRs i)i- LETTER XXXVI. Brantwood, coniston, i.ancashirr. [1881.] My Dear Ellis, Please send me these Carlyle Reininisceuces. I'm up reading them now, and that rascally article of Mrs. Wedgwood's has put my bristle up, — and I must give her a hiding — some- where — short and sweet. The comic thing is, that the three sentences of Carlyle's she quotes above, are the only ones worth ])rintingin the entire article. That on Coleridge is superb. Please (to save me the trouble of writing another note) can you, in regu- lar way of business, get a copy of my JOHN RUSK IN. 65 Prout Notes with illustrative photos, from over the way. I gave mine away, thinking I'd half a dozen — -but no such luck. Ever your affectionate, J. R[usKix]. 66 LETTERS OF LETTER XXXVII. Oxford. June 11///, 1883. Dear Papa Ellis, I am so very glad to know you like that Fors, especially that part of it. I know that my illnesses have greatly weakened the physical grasp of the brain, so that I can never more write things rich in thought like the preface to Grwim ; but I believe the general balance and truth of thought are still safe — or even safer than before the strain. Yes, there is a new world coming — God knows what ! But there's a hand- ful of good seed coming up, every here and there. JOHN RUSK IN. 67 If these books of mine would be any good at Whitelands College, send them there. If not, get what price they'll fetch. Ever affectionately yours, J. RUSKIN. F. S. Ellis, Esq. 63 LETTERS OF LETTER XXXVIII. Brantwood, CoNiSTON, Lancashire. July -Jth, 18S3. Dear Ellis, I am so ashamed of never having answered your delightful letters — but I've been more busy than is good for me, necessarily, as one always finds if one is busy at all. And then I did not know you were going to stay so long at the country place. I am very happy in your patience with the Scott papers, — very happy in the loan of your lovely Missal, — very happy in being able to covet missals, and take pride in my own work, once more. And very happy shall I be JOHN RUSK IN. 69 when I can shake hands again in that dehghtful Hbrary and chat-room of yours. And this is all I can say to day — else I shall miss the post again ! Ever your affectionate and grateful, T. RUSKIN. 70 LETTERS OF LETTER XXXIX. Brantwood, CoNisTON, Lancashire. June 1st, 1884. Dear Ellis, May I give the name of the writer of enclosed bit * for next jFors corre- spondence ? It would be of weight in driving down the sentence about Scott, which is of extreme importance and value. I send you an old book, which has been inherited by my washerwoman ! * This was a printed extract from a letter of Mr. Ellis's regarding the condition of a certain English village. The consent asked was freely given, though with a modification of some of the expressions Mr. Ellis had originally used. JOHN RUSK IN. 71 Can you impress her mind with rever- ence for Hterature by giving her a few shiUings for it ? Ever affectionately yours, J. R[uskin]. 72 LETTHRS OF LETTER XL. Brantwood, CoNisTON, Lancashire. June 6tJi, 1884, Dear Ellis, I am so very sorry you liave been ill, I never dreamed of such a thing. Take care now ; I shall be anxious till you write again to say you're going on well. — To think of my having forgiven the Hamilton business like this ! * I'll cut out all the vice. — Your last letter still more valuable — is, I think, quite safe and general. Your loving, J. R[uskin]. ■" Mr. Riiskin was, or professed to be, grievously hurt and offended with Mr. Ellis for liaviiig negociated tlie purchase of the Hamilton Manuscripts for the Berlin Museum. JOHN RUSK IN. LETTER XLI. Brantwood, COMSTON, LaNCASHIRK. Fehrita7y yd, 1885. Dear Ellis, We're both brutes for never asking after each other, — and you wait a bit before you thank me for being the first to speak, for it's forced by a bit of business, which will be best told you by my secretary. Don't look down upon her for being a girl. She's got nice business ways, and will save you a lot of trouble in writing gossip : and, besides, tell me all about j^/^, and you all about me, — and the business con- cerns her a little. It's about some old Bibles of her uncle's. Will you u 74 LETTERS OF please write to her, Miss Anderson, 46, Warwick Gardens, and tell her where she could see you, — or will Mr. "White kindly make an appointment for her if Mr, Ellis is out of town. Meantime, if you care to know it, I'm pretty well, and pretty busy, and rather pleased with my work ; and am, Affectionately yours, J. RU.SKIN. F. S. Ellis, Esq. JOfiN RUSK IN. 75 LETTER XLII. CoMSTox, Lancashire. Janiiaiy 18//1, 18S6. Dear Ellis, Your pathetic note has lain beside me. I could not at first answer, for I was very ill, — but this sweet spring sunlight on the moor cheers me, and makes me feel as if we both might rejoice in spring days again. But I am recovering very slowly from the de- pression of this last illness, and can only say, that I am ashamed of having been sad. But please write and tell me you also are gaining, and wliat the illness 76 LETTERS OF JOHN K(LSKIN. was which has taken you from the work in which you seemed so happy. Ever affectionately yours, J. RUSKIN. F. S. Ellis, Esq. ERRATUM. rn,c;e 51, line 3 — for Packet read Packtd. INDEX. I \ n K X. Academy Notes, No. vi. ' A nice spicy flavour in it,' 25. Publishing to be kept with Allen in order 'not to break the public impression of my [J. R.'s] obstinacy,' 22. Mr. Ellis to ' have them exclusively in London,' 23. Financial arrangements for, 24. Mrs. Severn to have 100, 25. 'Stick a bother the thing has been to me,' 26. ' Quite a loving cup for the Academy,' 26. Not to be advertised in the ncvvspaperSj 27. The last sheet of, cancelled, 29. ' Two fatal mistakes ' discovered, 29. Mr. Ruskin ' expected some compliments,' 30. Amicus, The Bible of, 46, 61. Anderson, Miss, Mr. Ruskin's Secretary, 74. Arabian Nights, The, 39. Ballads, a collection of seventeenth century broadside, 19. Bible, The. The edition of Basle, 1536, 37, Bible of Amiens, The, 46, 61. 8o IXDKX. Burgess, Arthur. Article upon in Century Guild Hobby Hoise, 18, note. 'The only skilful wood-engraver of the time,' 18. To engrave Burnc Jones's designs for The Earthly Paradise, 18, and note. Autographs to be sent to, 30. Burne Jones, E., his illustrations to Morris's Earthly Paradise, 4. Mr. Ruskin much pleased with his Golden Stairs, 42. Capriecios de Goya — story of its burning by Mr. Ruskin and Mr. Ellis, 8. Carlylc, Thomas, 64. His Past and Present, 56. Castleton, ' the drive from, commands one of the finest mooiland views in England,' 34. Century Guild Hobby Horse, The. Mr. Ruskin's article upon Arthur Burgess in, 18, note. Chaucer. His Dream, 15. His Flo'uer and the Leaf, 15. Both ' not esteemed to be by Chaucer,' 16. Chaucer, 'best authoritative edition of wanted, 17. Clarissa (Richardson's), 56. Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 64. Coniston Water. 'An expanse of boiling blue like the blue of ground ivy,' 38. De Witte's work on (heek Vases, 4. Do. wanted for the Art Gallery at Oxford, 5. INDEX. 81 Dream (Chaucer's). Proposed reprint of, with Introduction by Mr. Rusl