Item 227 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to F. W. H. Myers

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Reports that 'S[ymonds]' is with him [in Freshwater]. Refers to 'the matter' of which Myers knows [Symonds' homeoerotic poetry, as per information contained in a paragraph that has been crossed out in ink].

Admits to finding it very difficult to answer Myers' letter, feeling that he expects 'not so much sympathy, and certainly not Hortation... but Strictest Science' and principles of conduct arising from science. Remarks on Myers' perceived insistence on certainty in answers. Claims to have 'as much sympathy... as it is possible for one in whom Egoism and altruism are combined so differently.' Discusses his and Myers' differences in character. Declares that 'Victorious Analysis paralyses impulse...', and that the two difficult thing that must be done are 'to choose in a certain spiritual twilight and obscurity, the noble and the good and refuse the evil and base: and... to make Will and rational purpose supply the place of impulse.'

Reports that they have seen 'the Laureate who was tres bon and recited to [them] Boadicea'; writes out the scansion Tennyson gives to some words in the poem. States that S[ymonds] has urged him to tell Myers 'that May Princess is positively the Loveliest Girl etc'; declares that he agrees. [Note in Myers' hand saying he thinks that this letter 'is the most interesting' he ever received from Sidgwick].

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 259-260.