Item Info

Accession Number: 87-893
Physical Description: [3] pages
Transcription:

1 Devonshire Terrace
  York Gate Regents Park
     Twenty Fifth April 1844.

Sir.
    I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your obliging letter of the Twenty Third Instant.
    I am perfectly aware that there are several passages in my books which, with very little alteration – sometimes with none at all – will fall into blank verse, if divided off into Lines. It is not an affectation in me, nor have I the least desire to write them in that metre; but I run into it, involuntarily and unconsciously, when I am very much in earnest. I even do so, in speaking.
    I am not prepared to say that this may not be a defect in prose composition; but I attach less importance to it than I do earnestness. And considering that it is a very melodious and agreeable march of words, usually; and may be perfectly plain and free; I cannot agree with you that it is likely to be considered by discreet readers as turgid or bombastic, unless the sentiments expressed in it, be of that character. Then indeed it matters very little how they are attired, as they cannot fail to be disagreeable in any garb.
   Upon the whole I am inclined to think that if I had altered the passages which give you offence, you would not have liked my books so well as you are kind enough to say you do; and would not have given me that credit for being in earnest which has procured for me the pleasure of receiving your good-humoured and agreeable letter.

                                                                           Faithfully Yours
                                                                              Charles Dickens
Charles Watson Esquire

MssDate: Twenty Fifth April 1844.
Media Type: Letters
Source: Rare Book Department
Recipient: Watson, Charles
Provenance: Sawyer 1964,Gratz

Bibliography:

The Letters of Charles Dickens, Pilgrim Edition, Volume Four, 1844-1846, p. 112.

Country: Creation Place Note:Devonshire Terrace
Country:England
City/Town/Township:London

Call Number: DL W332 1844-04-25
Creator Name: Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870 - Author