Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-01-22
WOrsley's Lines to General Lee.

Editors of Dispatch The poem which
you copied yesterday from the Baltimore
Gazette was first published by. me in
Letters of General r. f. Lee,n being
copied for me by Professor Joynes from o
the original, which was written on the
fy-leaf of the translation of the Iliad.
AS the copy you printed contains a
number of errors, and leaves out alto
gether the prose Introduction, suggest
its republication from the book t(page
49,: .tt s.. s.s.,. r..,~-.'''.J a.
The following inscription and poem
accompanied the presentation of a per
feet copy of the "TraHslation of the
Iliad of Homerinto Spenserian Stanza,"
by Philip Stanhope Worsley, Fellow of
Corpus Christi College, OxfOrd-a schoI-
ar and poet whose untimely death, no.
ticed with deepest regret throughout the
literary world, in England, has cut
short career Of the brightest promise:
ITO General r. f. Lee,-the most
stainless of living commanders, and, ex-
lcept in fortune, the greatest,-this vol
ume is presented with the writer's earn
est sympathy and respectful admira-
tiOn,'
Z The grand old bard that never dies,
send thee. but with weeping eyes,
/ The story that he sung.
The Troy is fallen, thy dear land
Is marred beneath the spoilers heel, '
1 cannot trust my trembling hand
To write the things l feel.
All, realm of tcmbs Bet let her bear
This blazon to the hast of times
No nation rose 80 white and fair,
Or fell SO pure of crimes.
The widows moan, the orphans wall,
Come round thee; yet in truth be strong;
Eternal right, though all else fail, ysis.
Can never be made wrong.
An angels heart, an angels mouth, 81 d.
Not Homer's. could alone for me
Hymn we'll the great Confederate South,
Virginia first, and LEE. P. S.W.
found in General Lees letter-book
the following beautiful letter in reply to
this graceful compliment from the Eng
lish scholar:
LEXINGTON, VA. February 10, 1866.
Mr.. p. s. Worsley: ...-
My Dear Sir,-I have received the
copy of your translation of the "Iliad,"
which you so kindly presented to me-
Its perusal has been my evenings recre-
alton, and have never enjoyed the
beauty and grandeur of the poem more
than as recited by you. The translation
Is as truthful as powerful, and faithfully
reprOduces the imagery and rhythm of
the bold original.
The undeserved compliment to my
self in prose and verse, on the first
leaves of the volume, receive as your
tribute to the merit of my countrymen
who struggled for constitutional govern
ment.
With great respect, your obedient SER
want,
[signedl R. E. LEE
Ifyou can find space for it, the follow
ing letter, written to Mr.. WOrsley at y.
later date, will also prove of interest
LEXINGTON, VA, March IA, 1866.
Mr.. p. S. Worsley: JAZZ 9i''
"My Dear Mr.. Worsley,-In a letter
just received from my pephew, Mr..
Childe, regret to learn that, at his last
accounts from you, you were greatly in
disposed. So great is my interest in
your welfare that cannot refrain, even
at the risk of intruding upon your sick
room, from expressing my sincere SYM
pathy in your affiiction. 1 trust, how
ever, that ere this you have recovered
and are again in perfect health. Like
many of your tastes. and pursuits, I fear
you may confine yourself too closely to
your reading; less mental labor and
more of the fresh air of heaven might
bring you to more comfort and to your
friends more enjoyment, even in the
way in which you now delight them.-
Should visit to this distracted country
promise you any recreation, I hope I
need not assure you how happy should
be. to see you at Lexington. I can give
you quiet room and careful nursing,
and horse that would delight to carry
you over our beautiful mountains. I
hope my letter informing you of the
pleasure derived from the perusal of
your translation of the 'Iliad, in which
| endeavored to express my thanks for
the great compliment you paid me in
its dedication, has informed you of my
high appreciation of the work.
"Wishing you every happiness in this
world, and praying that eternal peace
may be your portion in that to come,
am, most truly, your friend and servant,
[Signed "R. E. LEE.n
| have thought it worth while to give
the true version of this pleasing Incl
dent in the life of our great chieftain.
j. WILLIAM JONES,
! Secretary Southern Historical Society.
Richmond, January 4, 1878.
A RTJGHTED TTEC fow roorp;nro