I wrote you yesterday. Since then I have been rereading your letter. I wish you would not say so much about what I have done for you, and how much it was worth to you, and all that. I should be sorry to think that I did not do a little for you--I tried to. But, my boy, you should know that I don't keep that kind of service _on sale_. Moreover, I'm amply repaid by what _you_ have done for _me_--I mean with your pen. Do you suppose _I_ do not value such things? Does it seem reasonable to think me unpleasured by those magnificent dedicatory verses in your book? Is it nothing to me to be called "Master" by such as you? Is my nature so cold that I have no pride in such a pupil? There is no obligation in the matter--certainly none that can be suffered to satisfy itself out of your pocket. You greatly overestimate the sums I spend in "charity." I sometimes help some poor devil of an unfortunate over the rough places, but not to the extent that you seem to suppose. I couldn't--I've too many regular, constant, _legitimate_ demands on me. Those, mostly, are what keep me poor. * * * * * Maybe you think it odd that I've not said a word in print about any of your work except the "Testimony." It is not that I don't appreciate the minor poems--I do. But I don't like to scatter; I prefer to hammer on a single nail--to push one button until someone hears the bell. When the "Wine" is published I'll have another poem that is not only great, but striking--notable--to work on. However good, or even great, a short poem with such a title as "Poesy," "Music," "To a Lily," "A White Rose," and so forth, cannot be got into public attention. Some longer and more notable work, of the grander manner, may _carry_ it, but of itself it will not go. Even a bookful of its kind will not. Not till you're famous. Your letter regarding your brother (who has not turned up) was needless--I could be of no assistance in procuring him employment. I've tried so often to procure it for others, and so vainly, that nobody could persuade me to try any more. I'm not fond of the character of suppliant, nor of being "turned down" by the little men who run this Government. Of course I'm not in favor with this Administration, not only because of my connection with Democratic newspapers, but because, also, I sometimes venture to dissent openly from the doctrine of the divinity of those in high station--particularly Teddy.