at all.

However, I must read the book two or three times more before I presume to
begin picking holes.

I trust you will not allow yourself to be in any way disgusted or annoyed
by the considerable abuse and misrepresentation which, unless I greatly
mistake, is in store for you. Depend upon it you have earned the lasting
gratitude of all thoughtful men. And as to the curs which will bark and
yelp, you must recollect that some of your friends, at any rate, are
endowed with an amount of combativeness which (though you have often and
justly rebuked it) may stand you in good stead.

I am sharpening up my claws and beak in readiness.

Looking back over my letter, it really expresses so feebly all I think
about you and your noble book that I am half ashamed of it; but you will
understand that, like the parrot in the story, "I think the more."

Ever yours faithfully,
T.H. HUXLEY.


CHARLES DARWIN TO T.H. HUXLEY.
Ilkley, November 25th [1859].

My dear Huxley,

Your letter has been forwarded to me from Down. Like a good Catholic who
has received extreme unction, I can now sing "nunc dimittis." I should