know your business....

I send you herewith a Gothic gnome for your Greek nymph; but the
gnome is interesting, I think, and he came out of a deep mine,
where he guards the fountain of tears. It is not always the time
to rejoice. - Yours ever,

R. L. S.

The gnome's name is JEKYLL & HYDE; I believe you will find he is
likewise quite willing to answer to the name of Low or Stevenson.

SAME DAY. - I have copied out on the other sheet some bad verses,
which somehow your picture suggested; as a kind of image of things
that I pursue and cannot reach, and that you seem - no, not to have
reached - but to have come a thought nearer to than I. This is the
life we have chosen: well, the choice was mad, but I should make
it again.

What occurs to me is this: perhaps they might be printed in (say)
the CENTURY for the sake of my name; and if that were possible,
they might advertise your book. It might be headed as sent in
acknowledgment of your LAMIA. Or perhaps it might be introduced by
the phrases I have marked above. I dare say they would stick it
in: I want no payment, being well paid by LAMIA. If they are not,
keep them to yourself.


TO WILL H. LOW