The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-04-10
CARLYLE AND EMERSON

Ralph Waldo Emerson at 30 started or
10 see the world-his world. The strongest
attraction Great Britain had for him was
one Thomas Carlyle. whose contributions
TO the Edinburgh Review had strangely
stirred his soul. The meeting at Carlyle's
home proved delight TO both. The un-
concealed admiration and quick soul
response of the young American was
balm 10 carlyles hurt mind. The rough
good nature, the vehement enthusiasm.
and the vast erudition of his host was ~
together "A marvel and joy To Emerson.
The late summer day in 1888 was TO both
a day OF days. the date from which their
larger life was henceforth To be reckoned
Carlyle wrote his mother he had had
"A visit from one OF the most loVable
creatures he and his wife had ever looked
upon. A year later. this man OF all men
least given to hattery, wrote his new
found friend Among the figures | can
recolect as visiting our Nithsdale he
mitage, there IL perhaps not one OF a
more undoubtedly supernal character
than yourself; so pure aud still. with I'm
tents charitable. and then vanishing
too soon into the azure lnane." While al
craigenputtock Emerson wrote thus of
his host; u found him one of the most
simple and frank OF men" Four years
after he avowed his love for Carlyle
and his gratitude for the interest taken
i'm him, adding. God has made YOU a
man az well as a poet" A few months
later referring 10 CARLYLE. he finds his
highest prayer granted In calling a lust
and wise man his friend. In the spring oi
1893 Carlyle decides TO visit Concord. ~,
Is delighted at the prospects OF long talks
with his friend. But this is not enough
his besires includes the entire Emerson
household lie gleefully exclalmes. your
wife must love me II the little hoy b,
a well behaved fellow, ne shall ride on m,
back yet" He concludes with "A Go,
bless YOU always, my dear friend. You
affectionate r. Carlyle"
tOmitting many letters and passing on
down "a the fan OF 1871. long after IN,
failure Of Carlyles plan for visiting Am
erica. Emerson finds his heart bcatin,
quicker az the thought of again scein,
his friend, and his dreams of the cominl
pleasure makes the night glorious Hea
his Rhapsody softly dear shadows. d
not scatter yet Knit your panorama clos
ano well. TIN these rare figures befor
rae draw near. and are greeted an
known CARLYLE. too is counting in
hours lie writes. shall We not perhap
see you In day or two, That depend
on the winds and the chances: but our AZ
fection Is Independent OF such. Adieu
su revior IL is now! Come soon: come d
once"
Five years elapse and Carlyle writes 3
hslf-piayfui mood through which may h
discerncd the hahituai undercurrcnt 81
sadness: ''ln short. ] love the stcrnl,
gentle cloSe-buttOned man VERY well. =
have always done. and intend 10 cor
tinue doing" And he cnjoins his frieu
never 20 give up writing t0 him. ho'
sulley soeVer he may grow.
Cariyle's craving for leHcrs in tin
becomes pathetic. you know not in m
least. "he writes. how Indispensable yOt
letters ere 90 me-" lie finds Emerson
fs the one voice 'jnexpressibly consol,
tory 20 . poor man in his lonesome pi
Erinlnre toward the evening ~ the day
Tenderlv does his friend give answer
This soul-cry for help. Gladly renewir
The neglected correspondence. Emersc
srites. "Eyes 80 old and weary, Al