Letter 381 (late 1872) T. W. Higginson Emily Dickinson

To live is so startling, it leaves but little room for other occupations though Friends are if possible an event more fair.

I am happy you have the Travel you so long desire and chastened - that my Master met neither Accident nor Death.

    Our own Possessions though our own
    'Tis well to hoard anew
    Remembering the dimensions
    Of Possibility.

I often saw your name in illustrious mention and envied an occasion so abstinent to me. Thank you for having been to Amherst. Could you come again that would be far better - though the finest wish is the futile one.

When I saw you last, it was Mighty Summer - Now the Grass is Glass and the Meadow Stucco, and "Still Waters" in the Pool where the Frog drinks.

These Behaviors of the Year hurt almost like Music - shifting when it ease us most. Thank you for the "Lesson."

I will study it though hitherto

    Menagerie to me
    My Neighbor be.

                                                                                                 Your Scholar