Page:Familiar letters of Henry David Thoreau.djvu/305

 2ET. 37.] TO HARRISON BLAKE. 281

TO HARRISON BLAKE (AT WORCESTER).

CONCOKD, September 21, 1854.

BLAKE, I have just read your letter, but do not mean now to answer it, solely for want of time to say what I wish. I directed a copy of &quot; Walden &quot; to you at Ticknor s, on the day of its publication, and it should have reached you before. I am encouraged to know that it inter ests you as it now stands, a printed book, for you apply a very severe test to it, you make the highest demand on me. As for the excursion you speak of, I should like it right well, indeed I thought of proposing the same thing to you and Brown, some months ago. Per haps it would have been better if I had done so then ; for in that case I should have been able to enter into it with that infinite margin to my views, spotless of all engagements, which I think so necessary. As it is, I have agreed to go a-lecturing to Plymouth, Sunday after next (Oc tober 1) and to Philadelphia in November, and thereafter to the West, if they shall ^uant me ; and, as I have prepared nothing in that shape, I feel as if my hours were spoken for. However, I think that, after having been to Plymouth, I may take a day or two if that date will suit you and Brown. At any rate I will write you then.