2 INTRODUCTORY LETTER. 



may see in Baalbec, standing up in the air all 

 alone, with nothing on it, and with nothing for 

 it to do. 



But an Introductory Letter is different. There 

 is in that no formality, no assumption of func- 

 tion, no awkward propriety or dignity to be 

 sustained. A letter at the opening of a book 

 may be only a footpath, leading the curious to a 

 favorable point of observation, and then leaving 

 them to wander as they will. 



Sluggards have been sent to the ant for wis- 

 dom ; but writers might better be sent to the 

 spider, not because he works all night, and 

 watches all day, but because he works uncon- 

 sciously. He dare not even bring his work 

 before his own eyes, but keeps it behind him, 

 as if too much knowledge of what one is doing 

 would spoil the delicacy and modesty of one's 

 work. 



Almost all graceful and fanciful work is born 



