| Description | He does not deserve Herschel's kindness in sending the beautiful volume [the translation of 'The Iliad'], but he accepts it as proof of fraternal regard. He is not a classical scholar and has betrayed his inability to appreciate English hexameters on heroic themes. He hopes that Herschel's work will correct his taste. In his boyhood, he fancied that the conclusion of Book 8 of 'The Iliad' and the other passage of Hector, his wife and child, were 'the highest gems' of the work. [Alfred] Tennyson's 'Enoch Arden and other poems' gives a free translation of the former, which he has read for its beauty. He has turned to page 169-170 in Herschel's work and it has given him delight, despite his prejudice against the verse. The conclusion of Herschel's preface also delights him and will touch hearts. He wishes Herschel long life 'to edify, delight and guide'. |