Item 221 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to F. W. H. Myers

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Refers to Myers' visit to him, which was 'delightful and salutary'; says Myers always does him good, though he makes him 'feel more deeply the perplexities of conduct'. Wishes that he had 'more wisdom to impart to those whom' he loves. Sometimes 'console[s]' himself 'for fundamental scepticism' by feeling that it is 'necessary, if we are to choose Good per se; disagrees with Kant's view that this 'noble choice is the only good thing in man, but does himself think it 'a great good.'

States that Myers' narrative 'is of thrilling interest', and declares that he has no doubt that Myers was 'the right man for the situation'; refers to the 'Testimonial' [not included; note in Myers' hand explaining that this concerned 'a Schoolmistress who had got into a mess.'] Admits to being impressed 'at the thought of the amount of emotional electricity generated by [Myers'] passage through these feminine atmospheres', and offers to idealise him 'into a sort of Genius of Flirtation'.

Quotes from an unpublished poem of Myers'. [Myers quotes more extensively from the poem, beginning with the lines: 'Few are the Friends of Women; and they see On many a cheek the rose of amity,...'] Thanks him for his generous gift, and promises to tell of 'it's [sic] ultimate destination.' Sends greetings to Myers' mother, to whom he sends circulars [not included].

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 253-254.