To Samuel Bowles
From ED

about 1877

Dear friend.

Vinnie accidentally mentioned that you hesitated between the "Theophilus" and the "Junius."

Would you confer so sweet a favor as to accept that too, when you come again?

I went to the Room as soon as you left, to confirm your presence - recalling the Psalmist's sonnet to God, beginning

I have no Life but this -
To lead it here -
Nor any Death - but lest
Dispelled from there -
Nor tie to Earths to come -
Nor Action new
Except through this extent
The love of you.

      Your "Rascal."

I washed the Adjective.