WCP288

[1]

[in blue pencil in unknown hand] Poem

Parkstone, Dorset.

April 9th. 1897

My dear Violet¹

I suppose you got the copy of "Brotherhood"²after you sent off your letter. We had a Post Card from Will³ today, from New York! where he & Mac⁴ had gone to deliver introductions & try & get work & intend to return to Boston in 2 or 3 days unless something remarkable turns up. The catechising of steerage & 2nd. class passengers is to ascertain that they are not paupers, & also that they are not workmen come over on an engagement. That is forbidden I suppose in the interests of American work men. I send you now [2] the last "Clarion", in which you will see a poem⁵ that is haunting me. It is by the author of "The Peacocks Feather", & it is so appropriate to the present situation in Crete & Greece that I sent it — all but one verse to the "Clarion". The language & rhythm are grand, and I keep thinking of it all night and am gradually learning it by heart. It wants to be read slowly and impressively. The classical allusions you will get in any Classical Dictionary or Encyclopaedia. The first & second [3] verses are superb. The first line of the 2nd verse — "Through the dark and desolation of the centuries between"— makes me shiver at the thought of the horrible Roman Empire & Middle Ages, of which it sums up the history in two words.

"The book" gets on very slowly. I am so hard worked even with orchid-potting, & with answering letters &c. &c. &c. &c. — & visitors. But I have written a chapter or two since you left.

[4] The Sharpes⁶ have been ordered by Madame Greeks Spirits, to go to Switzerland this year for 3 months or more! & have ^had given the place "Les Avants" — above Montreux and the "Chalet" they are to have — & have, also ^{The spirits have} provided the money in a most unexpected way! It is one of the most wonderful tests I ever heard of, but too long a story to tell here.

I enclose a note for Mrs. Fisher.⁷

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]