Page:Shelley, a poem, with other writings (Thomson, Debell).djvu/105

Rh 109. "Horns" I think you are in all probability right. Also "dim" instead of "dun": but this latter (at any rate) I would not venture to substitute.

110. "Still dark and dry" &c. Here again you convince me: at any rate, convince me so far as that I think my altered punctuation and note unsafe and undesirable, and would cancel them in any new edition.

100-5. Sang and sprang. I wholly agree with you in thinking these the right and agreeable forms of the past tense—but think it clear that Shelley wrote sung and sprung, so would not presume to make any change. "Naught" also is obviously, as you suggest, more correct than "nought." The latter however seems to have got the upper hand in modern spelling, and I fancy, when one substitutes "naught" now-a-days, it rather suggests that the notion of "naughty" is somehow implied—so I would not make the alteration.

If ever you have the chance and inclination to send me other revisals, I should be truly obliged to you—certain beforehand that they will be to the point.

I hope, if you do start off after Chinamen, you will find some satisfaction in the work: it sounds indeed full of adventurous and pleasurable excitement. I have myself a great respect for the Chinese—and still more for the Japanese—as a nation of very fine endowments, more especially in matters of fine art. To contemn them seems to me a symptom of crass ignorance or despicable self-conceit, or both.

With best wishes for your travel, should it take place, I remain Very truly yours, .