GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 30 April 1864
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 30 April 1864
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 30 April 1864
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Sara Sophia Hennell
Date(s)
- 1864-04-30
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 30 April 1864
MS: Yale. Mostly published: Cross, II, 382-383.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
April 30. 64.
Dear Sara
Only think! next Wednesday morning we start for Italy. The move is quite a sudden one. We need a good shake for our bodies and minds and must take the Spring-time before the weather becomes too hot. We shall not be away more than a month, or six weeks at the utmost. Our friend Mr. Burton, the artist, will be our companion for at least part of the time. He has just painted a divine picture -- better than Millais' Huguenots -- which is now to be seen at the Old Water-Colour Exhibition. The subject is from a Norse Legend, but that is no matter -- the picture tells its story. A knight in mailed armour and surcoat has met the fair tall woman he se[cretly] loves on a turret stair. By an uncontrollable movement he has seized her arm and is kissing it. She, amazed, has dropped the flowers she held in her other hand. The subject might have been made the most vulgar thing in the world -- the artist has raised it to the highest pitch of refined emotion. The kiss is on the fur-lined sleeve that covers the arm, and the face of the knight is the face of a man to whom the kiss is a sacrament. 258
How I should like a good long talk with you! From what you say of your book that is to come, I expect to be very much interested in it. I think I hardly ever read a book of the kind you describe without getting some help from it. It is to this strong influence that is felt in all personal statements of inward experience that we must perhaps refer the excessive publication of religious journals.
I am wondering whether Cara is still at Sydenham or has returned to leave room for the tenants. My best love to her and Mr. Bray -- and wishes for poor Nelly's perfect health. Mr. Lewes waits to take my letter -- so I will only say good-by dear Sara.
Your ever affectionate
Pollian.
MS: Yale. Mostly published: Cross, II, 382-383.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
April 30. 64.
Dear Sara
Only think! next Wednesday morning we start for Italy. The move is quite a sudden one. We need a good shake for our bodies and minds and must take the Spring-time before the weather becomes too hot. We shall not be away more than a month, or six weeks at the utmost. Our friend Mr. Burton, the artist, will be our companion for at least part of the time. He has just painted a divine picture -- better than Millais' Huguenots -- which is now to be seen at the Old Water-Colour Exhibition. The subject is from a Norse Legend, but that is no matter -- the picture tells its story. A knight in mailed armour and surcoat has met the fair tall woman he se[cretly] loves on a turret stair. By an uncontrollable movement he has seized her arm and is kissing it. She, amazed, has dropped the flowers she held in her other hand. The subject might have been made the most vulgar thing in the world -- the artist has raised it to the highest pitch of refined emotion. The kiss is on the fur-lined sleeve that covers the arm, and the face of the knight is the face of a man to whom the kiss is a sacrament. 258
How I should like a good long talk with you! From what you say of your book that is to come, I expect to be very much interested in it. I think I hardly ever read a book of the kind you describe without getting some help from it. It is to this strong influence that is felt in all personal statements of inward experience that we must perhaps refer the excessive publication of religious journals.
I am wondering whether Cara is still at Sydenham or has returned to leave room for the tenants. My best love to her and Mr. Bray -- and wishes for poor Nelly's perfect health. Mr. Lewes waits to take my letter -- so I will only say good-by dear Sara.
Your ever affectionate
Pollian.
Signature
Pollian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 30 April 1864, 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/94048