2O Selections from Huxley 



poses had ranged themselves around it, and though they 

 could claim no preeminence, yet demanded their share of 

 my thoughts. I make no apology for this it is man's 

 nature and the necessary influence of circumstances which 

 5 will so have it ; and depend, however painful our pres- 

 ent separation may be, the spectacle of a man who had 

 given up the cherished purpose of his life, the Esau who 

 had sold his birthright for a mess of pottage and with it 

 his self-respect, would, before- long years were over our 



10 heads, be infinitely more painful. Depend upon it, the 

 trust which you placed in my hands when I left you to 

 choose for both of us has not been abused. Hemmed in 

 by all sorts of difficulties, my choice was a narrow one, and 

 I was guided more by circumstances than my own free 



15 will. Nevertheless the path has shown itself to be a fair 

 one, neither more difficult nor less so than most paths in 

 life in which a man of energy may hope to do much if 

 he believes in himself, and is at peace within. 



My course in life is taken. I will not leave London 



20 I will make myself a name and position as well as an 

 income by some kind of pursuit connected with science, 

 which is the thing for which nature has fitted me if she 

 has ever fitted any one for anything. Bethink yourself 

 whether you can cast aside all repining and doubt, and 



25 devote yourself in patience and trust to helping me along 

 my path as no one else could. I know what I ask, and 

 the sacrifice I demand, and if this were the time to use 

 false modesty, I should say how little I have to offer in 

 return. 



30 I am full of faults, but I am real and true, and the 



whole devotion of an earnest soul cannot be overprized. 



It is as if all that old life at Holmwood had merely 



been a preparation for the real life of our love as if we 



were then children ignorant of life's real purpose as if 



