To Mrs. J.G. Holland
From ED

spring 1883

It was sweet to touch the familiar Hand that so long had led us - "Though thou walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will be with thee," you have taught us was no Exaggeration - How many times we have each crossed it, would either of us dare to count, but we must bring no Twilight to no one who lost her Dawn -

It is very dear you are better - You have had much struggle - That is the deepest illness -

The Birds are very bold this morning, and sing without a Crumb. "Meat that we know not of," perhaps, slily handed them - I used to spell the one by that name "Fee Bee" when a Child, and have seen no need to improve! Should I spell all the things as they sounded to me, and say all the facts as I saw them, it would sent consternation among more than the "Fee Bees"!

Vinnie picked the Sub rosas, and handed them to me, in your wily Note.

Kisses for "Brooks of Sheffield" - Am glad Annie is well, and that Kate is sacred - tell her with my love, "I give my Angels charge." For the sweet Flounder of the Fold, the bereft Madonna, more love than "we can ask or think" -

          Emily.