GE to Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve, London, 18 July 1861
Title
GE to Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve, London, 18 July 1861
Title
GE to Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve, London, 18 July 1861
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve
Date(s)
- 1861-07-18
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve, London, 18 July 1861
Text: Cross, II, 310-311.
The English '91Imitation'92 I told you of, which is used by the Catholics, is Challoner's. 822 I have looked into it again since I saw you, and I think if you want to give the book away, this translation is as good as any you are likely to get among current editions. If it were for yourself, an old bookstall would be more likely to furnish what you want. Don't ever think of me as valuing either you or Mr Congreve less instead of more. You naughtily implied something of that kind just when you were running away from me. How could any goodness become less precious to me unless my life has ceased to be a growth, and had become mere shrinking and degeneracy? I always imagine that if I were near you now, I should profit more by the gift of your presence -- just as one feels about all past sunlight.
Text: Cross, II, 310-311.
The English '91Imitation'92 I told you of, which is used by the Catholics, is Challoner's. 822 I have looked into it again since I saw you, and I think if you want to give the book away, this translation is as good as any you are likely to get among current editions. If it were for yourself, an old bookstall would be more likely to furnish what you want. Don't ever think of me as valuing either you or Mr Congreve less instead of more. You naughtily implied something of that kind just when you were running away from me. How could any goodness become less precious to me unless my life has ceased to be a growth, and had become mere shrinking and degeneracy? I always imagine that if I were near you now, I should profit more by the gift of your presence -- just as one feels about all past sunlight.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Maria [Mrs. Richard] Congreve, London, 18 July 1861, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://www.georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/93628