note. My head will be turned. By Jove, I must try and get a bit modest.
I was a little chagrined by the review. (This refers to the review in the
"Athenaeum", November 19, 1859, where the reviewer, after touching on the
theological aspects of the book, leaves the author to "the mercies of the
Divinity Hall, the College, the Lecture Room, and the Museum.") I hope it
was NOT --. As advocate, he might think himself justified in giving the
argument only on one side. But the manner in which he drags in
immortality, and sets the priests at me, and leaves me to their mercies, is
base. He would, on no account, burn me, but he will get the wood ready,
and tell the black beasts how to catch me...It would be unspeakably grand
if Huxley were to lecture on the subject, but I can see this is a mere
chance; Faraday might think it too unorthodox.

...I had a letter from [Huxley] with such tremendous praise of my book,
that modesty (as I am trying to cultivate that difficult herb) prevents me
sending it to you, which I should have liked to have done, as he is very
modest about himself.

You have cockered me up to that extent, that I now feel I can face a score
of savage reviewers. I suppose you are still with the Lyells. Give my
kindest remembrance to them. I triumph to hear that he continues to
approve.

Believe me, your would-be modest friend,
C.D.


CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL.
Ilkley Wells, Yorkshire,
November 23 [1859].