. . . I have been, and am, reading Borrow's 'Wild Wales,' which _I_ like well, because I can hear him talking it. But I don't know if others will like it: anyhow there is too much of the same thing. Then what is meant for the plainest record of Conversation, etc., has such Phrases as 'Marry come up,' etc., which mar the sense of Authenticity. Then, no one writing better English than Borrow in general, there is the vile _Individual_--_Person_--and _Locality_ always cropping up: and even this vulgar Young Ladyism, 'The Scenery was beautiful _to a Degree_.' _What_ Degree? When did this vile Phrase arise? _To W. H. Thompson_. _Good Friday_, 1863. MY DEAR THOMPSON, Pray never feel ashamed of not answering my Letters so long as you do write twice a year, to let me know you live and thrive. As much oftener as you please: but you are only to be ashamed of not doing that. For that I really want of all who have been very kind and very constant ('_loyal_' is the word that even Emperors now use of themselves) for so many years. This I say in all sincerity. Now, while you talk of being ashamed of not writing, I am rather ashamed of writing so much to you. Partly because I really have so little to say; and also because saying that little too often puts you to the shame you speak of. You say my Letters are pleasant, however: and they will be so far pleasant if they assure you that I like talking to you in that way: bad as I am at more direct communication. I can tell you your letters are very pleasant to me; you at least have always something to tell of your half-year's Life: and you tell it so wholesomely, I always say in so capital a Style, as makes me regret you have not written some of your better Knowledge for the Public. I suppose (as I have heard) that your Lectures {37} are excellent in this way; I can say I should like very much to attend a course of them, on the Greek Plays, or on Plato. I dare say you are right about an Apprenticeship in Red Tape being necessary to make a Man of Business: but is it too late in Life for you to buckle to and screw yourself up to condense some of your Lectures and scholarly Lore into a Book? By 'too late in Life' I mean too late to take Heart to do it. I am sure you won't believe that I am _scratching_ you in return for any scratchings from your hands. We are both too old, too sensible, and too independent, I think, for that sort of thing.