Page:The letters of William Blake (1906).djvu/202

 136 can bestow, they are but so many modifications of the light of the understanding and the feelings and affections of the heart. I am sure Romney's memory will want no grace or decoration which your pen cannot give, and therefore any effort of mine would be comparatively poor and tedious, like "the shuffling gait of a tired nag." Yet I am not so churlish that I would not lend an endeavour, however weak, to honour a departed friend; but even this must be independent, and not comparative. I do not remember Mr. Robinson, but I rejoice in his success and the inspiration of his son. The works I am employed on at present are Earl Howe and Captain Montague. I have troubled you, by Mr. Blake, with a short tract written for Dr. Rees's Cyclopedia, on "Basso Relievo," with one of the prints referred to at the end of the article; the rest are not yet engraven.

I do not send it from the vanity of giving information to you, because I daresay you are well acquainted with all it contains: but because I would not publish anything of this kind without sending a copy, even though it should not be worth your notice. A happy release from his afflictions to poor Blake; and to you, my dear friend, many happy years unclouded by misfortune