Page:Thoreau - His Home, Friends and Books (1902).djvu/169

Rh nucleus of much of his best literary work, published posthumously.

It is true that, immediately on leaving Walden, he again entered the Emerson home, as secretary and business agent, while Mr. Emerson was in England. In Thoreau's letters, however, one notes a change of tone from that of the resident of four years earlier. There is greater self-reliance, more surety of purpose both as regards his own work and affairs at large. A witty, cheery kindliness, full of references to the delights of the Emerson home-life, characterize his letters to the absent father, some of which we shall note later. Allusions are made to his magazine papers, to his efforts to secure a publisher, and suggestions of other prophetic "reveries before my green desk in the chamber at the head of the stairs." Doubtless, the disappointment expressed in Emerson's letters from England, where, despite all social attentions, he felt lack of deep purpose and response to his idealism, influenced Thoreau. The latter had clearly contemplated a visit abroad, for Emerson advised him to publish his book before he came, that his literary reputation might bring him entrée into English society.

No man had a deeper reverence for the profession of authorship than had Thoreau. In his very