1881-03 or 04-a to William Michael Rossetti

Autograph letter signed, New York Public Library, 389 words

[Edited for paragraph breaks, capitalization, spelling and punctuation.]

17 Fleet St., Strand

[March-April 1881]

Dear Mr Rossetti

I have taken your advice — I will leave my book alone; that is to say I will not attempt to kick up a row. There is only one thing to be done; if it were in France I would ask you because it is there the habit for a man in your position to write a preface for a man in mine.

The effect here of course would be satisfactory for me but that it would be right according to literary custom for you to do so, I don't know. If it were I would cut out, at your suggestion, some of the poems and add a few new poems.

I did not tell you that the “Modern Poem" is the first canto of seven which I intend to write if I write any more poetry. Each one is to be a slice out of modern life. The second is the honeymoon in Paris; the third, the political struggle of a Lord H, conservative against a radical; the fourth, an idyl, the temptation of a married woman; the fifth, modern warfare in Africa; the sixth, London society; the seventh, the death of the old man and the son taking up the position and title.

I want to write the synthesis of modern life. I am sure such a poem is possible and that it is one of the best worth doing, but I have not the strength to do it.

Anyhow I have done two cantos and I have the rest distinctly in my head. If Pagan Poems are of any value it would be curious to republish them with a few pages of preface by you. Nothing is more common in France.

But you are so kind that I dread asking you, and could not ask you; neither is it necessary, for I am sure you will do what is right.

I say, don’t trouble about answering this letter. If you don’t I will consider that my proposition is impracticable and there is an end of it.

I received a very nice letter from Mrs. Rossetti. Will you remember me?

Yours very truly

George Moore