
24 Warwick Lane, London, E.C. From
ERNEST RHYS. The Mumbles,
South Wales To
Walt Whitman,
U.S.A. 2nd Feb. (Saturday) 1889 Dear Walt Whitman,
I came off down here on Tuesday, having lectures to give at Cardiff and Swansea on Tuesday & Wednesday nights. Now I am staying a few days over with a bright young fellow who has a cottage here overlooking the pleasant sweep of Swansea Bay;—after over-work day & night in town, you can imagine how good it seems to have the sea hard-by, & the free sea-wind a-blowing.
"The sea-wind & the seaMade all my soul in meA song for ever!"In an hour or two, we shall set off for a two or three days tramp through the remote
sea-slopes of Gower. The coast scenery is said to be very fine. We will expect to reach
the lovely headland of Worm's Head some time to-morrow, stopping on the way at King
Arthur's Seat, & putting up for the night at some old country inn. Altogether it is
just the sort of excursion that you would delight in, could you only be with us!
Meanwhile I am glad to forget town & things literary, & to loafe & take it easy here, though the post brings occasional reminders that London still exists. I must not forget, by the way, to say that a note has come to say a package (of portraits presumably) from you, awaits my return. For this again, best thanks! I shall be able now to get on with my article for the 'Scottish Art Review' as soon as I am back in town. A day or two before I left, Ed. Carpenter spent an evening with me. He showed me your last letter to him. He was well. I devoutly pray that you are not suffering so much as you were.
With deep love,— Ernest RhysSwansea Bay is famous for its oysters. The flavour they are were like the American, though small in size. Wish I could send you some!