Matilda Betham Edwards to GE, London, 30 April [1872]
Title
Matilda Betham Edwards to GE, London, 30 April [1872]
Title
Matilda Betham Edwards to GE, London, 30 April [1872]
Sender
Matilda Betham Edwards
Recipient
George Eliot
Date(s)
- 1872-04-30
Place
London
Letter Content
Matilda Betham Edwards to GE, London, 30 April [1872]
MS: Berg Collection, New York Public Library.
Upper Baker St. N. April 30.
My dear Mrs. Lewes
I never can say what I want to say at the right moment or I should have told you on Sunday 105 how deeply I felt the truth and value of the few words you said to me about writing. "Speech," is as you have said, in that wonderful Shakespearian line, "but broken light, upon the depth of the unspoken," 106 but a few such words as you said then stir those depths and are never forgotten. It is so much easier to be content with mediocrity in things spiritual and moral, as well as intellectual, than to be always striving for the best, that without coming in contact now and then with the highest thought, even an ardent nature is apt to yield to temptation, and live meanly without remorse. This more especially applies to literary work, which we were talking about; and I am sure you will easily believe what I said about wishing so much of my work unwritten. I am tempted to write and tell you all this that you may know how greatly I treasure the rare privilege of a little talk with you and how much good it does me.
Farewell till September and meantime may every summer breeze bring health and enjoyment to you both.
I will venture to sign myself, yours affectionately and gratefully
M. B. Edwards.
I am sure you will take it for granted that I don't expect an answer.
MS: Berg Collection, New York Public Library.
Upper Baker St. N. April 30.
My dear Mrs. Lewes
I never can say what I want to say at the right moment or I should have told you on Sunday 105 how deeply I felt the truth and value of the few words you said to me about writing. "Speech," is as you have said, in that wonderful Shakespearian line, "but broken light, upon the depth of the unspoken," 106 but a few such words as you said then stir those depths and are never forgotten. It is so much easier to be content with mediocrity in things spiritual and moral, as well as intellectual, than to be always striving for the best, that without coming in contact now and then with the highest thought, even an ardent nature is apt to yield to temptation, and live meanly without remorse. This more especially applies to literary work, which we were talking about; and I am sure you will easily believe what I said about wishing so much of my work unwritten. I am tempted to write and tell you all this that you may know how greatly I treasure the rare privilege of a little talk with you and how much good it does me.
Farewell till September and meantime may every summer breeze bring health and enjoyment to you both.
I will venture to sign myself, yours affectionately and gratefully
M. B. Edwards.
I am sure you will take it for granted that I don't expect an answer.
Signature
M. B. Edwards.
Citation
Matilda Betham Edwards, Matilda Betham Edwards to GE, London, 30 April [1872], Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/95535