To Charles Eliot Norton

Denmark Hill, February, 1869.

My Dearest Charles,—The enclosed is not a Washington autograph, but I think you will like to have it, as evidently the first sketch of the Moral Theory of his work by the great author of Modern Painters.… Ever your affectionate J. R.

The Guide came all right—it is so very useful.

To George Richmond, R.A.

Denmark Hill, 11th March, ‘69.

My Dear George,—I am much glad of your letter—of Christian name greatly. It used to chill me a little because you did not take it when Tom did, long ago.

And there is truly no man living whom I would have so much desired to please—in my way of doing or saying anything that I want to do or say so as to reach sympathy. I know that you would not have liked it unless it had been right, and it gives me confidence in my power of rendering what is in me; for though I know that the innermost strong feeling in me is good—and is a true desire to enforce truth—still there is so much upper weakness of vanity and self-consciousness that I was always afraid these meaner feelings showed more than the stronger ones—and above all, I have never been comfortable about voice, fancying it was both wooden and weak. So I am immensely happy that you came, and were pleased.

Also I hope that I may be selfish enough to pursue this subject of Greek mythology — in the pleasure it gives me, without the evil conscience of wasting time.