[163] The circumstances connected with the present letter, or rather extract from one, are as follows: After witnessing the performance of "The Merchant of Venice" at the Lyceum Theatre, Mr. Ruskin had some conversation with Mr. Irving on the subject. In the _Theatre_ of January 1880--p. 63--appeared a paragraph which stated that at the interview named Mr. Ruskin had declared Mr. Irving's "Shylock" to be "noble, tender, and true," and it is to that statement that the present letter, which appeared in the March number of the _Theatre_, relates. With reference to the letter privately addressed to Mr. Irving, the _Theatre_ of April (p. 249) had a note to the effect that Mr. Irving had, for excellent and commendable reasons, preferred it not being made public. For a full statement of Mr. Ruskin's views of "The Merchant of Venice," see "Munera Pulveris," p. 102. _RECITATIONS._ SHEFFIELD, _16th February_, 1880. MY DEAR SIR:[164] I am most happy to assure you, in reply to your interesting letter of the 12th, that I heard your daughters' recitations in London last autumn, with quite unmixed pleasure and the sincerest admiration--nor merely that, but with grave change in my opinions of the general value of recitations as a means of popular instruction. Usually, I like better to hear beautiful poetry read quietly than recited with action. But I felt, in hearing Shelley's "Cloud" recited (I think it was by Miss Josephine) that I also was "one of the people," and understood the poem better than ever before, though I am by way of knowing something about clouds, too. I also know the "Jackdaw of Rheims" pretty nearly by heart; but I would gladly come to London straightway, had I the time, to hear Miss Peggy speak it again. And--in fine--I have not seen any public entertainment--for many a long year--at once so sweet, so innocent, and so helpful, as that which your children can give to all the gentle and simple in mind and heart.--Believe me, my dear Sir, faithfully, and with all felicitation, yours, J. RUSKIN. FOOTNOTES: [164] This letter was addressed to Mr. R. T. Webling, by whom it was afterwards printed as a testimonial of the interest and success of his daughters' recitations. It was reprinted in the _Daily News_ (Feb. 18, 1880). APPENDIX. LETTER TO W. C. BENNETT, LL.D. 1852. LETTER TO THOMAS GUTHRIE, D.D. 1853. MR. WINDUS' SALE OF PICTURES. 1859. AT THE PLAY. 1867. AN OBJECT OF CHARITY. 1868. EXCUSES FROM CORRESPONDENCE. 1868. LETTER TO THE AUTHOR OF A REVIEW. 1872. AN OXFORD PROTEST. 1875. MR. RUSKIN AND MR. LOWE. 1877. THE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF RUSKIN. 1878. (Two Letters: September 30, and October 23.) THE SOCIETY OF THE ROSE. 1879. APPENDIX. [From the "Testimonials" of W. C. Bennett, LL.D. 1871; p. 22.] _LETTER TO W. C. BENNETT, LL.D._[165] HERNE HILL, DULWICH, _December 28th_, 1852.