"I'd far rather review Kinglake; but just because I like both the man and his books, I shrink from it. First of all, I am away from all sources of information here; and though I might gather books about me, I could not command what would be more essential still--the corrective power of personal intercourse. It would grieve me sincerely to do him badly, and I could by no means say that I could do him well. Just in proportion as I hold his opinions about the Emperor, and think that he--Kinglake--alone understands this man and has had the courage to avow his opinion, I am afraid that my very partisanship might damage where I meant to serve, and prejudice what I would rather uphold. It is with great reluctance I decline what has immense attractions for me.
"I cannot forgive you not printing 'M'Caskey.' Posterity never will pardon it, and my literary executor shall devote a full page to abuse of you in his behalf.
"By all means give 'Thornton' this month, but the O'Ds. I now send I am even more anxious about, especially the Irish one. I _know_ if they give way to the tinkers they'll spoil the kettle. Of course I can speak without a tinge of prejudice. I feel as judicially important as a Judge in Equity, but I _do_ think the No. of Mag. without me has a want of flavour, even though the flavour be that of lemon-juice.
"I have a half hope of going over to England after Easter. Shall you be there? I'd like a dinner with you at the Burlington. Hech, sirs! it stirs my blood to think how gay I could be--gout, debts, and all 'in no wise to the contrary, nevertheless, notwithstanding.'
"Why won't they (by way of young blood in the Administration!) make me Under Secretary, F. O.? I know more of the Continent and foreign questions than the whole lot of them.
"They have a line of character in French theatricals they call 'grand utilities.' What a splendid thing it would be to introduce it into political life. I think I'll make an O'Dowd on it, and recommend Cornelius himself to the Premier's notice. From Tipperary to Taganrog is a wide sweep, and I'd engage to 'talk' anything from Pat to Panslav-isms. If you see Stanley, mention it.
"Did I tell you Russell--I mean 'The Times' man--wrote to me in great glorification about 'Only an Irishman.'