early 1885

Dear friend -

I thank you with wonder - Should you ask me my comprehension of a starlight Night, Awe were my only reply, and so of the mighty Book - It stills, incites, infatuates - blesses and blames in one. Like Human Affection, we dare not touch it, yet flee, what else remains?

But excuse me - I know but a little - Please tell me how it might seem to you -

How vast is the chastisement of Beauty, given us by our Maker! A Word is inundation, when it comes from the Sea -

Peter took the Marine Walk at the great risk.

E. Dickinson.