new York, December 3, 1862
I thank you for the translations you have sent me of three
of my poems, and the kind letter with which they were accompanied. My verses
have gained in the dress you have given them — a grace which I could not give
them in English. They are more faithful in rendering the meaning of the
original than French translations of English poetry generally are; and yet, so
far as a foreigner may be allowed to judge, they are as spirited and easy as if
written without that constraint to which a faithful translator is obliged to
submit. . . .
For your good wishes concerning my country I also thank you.
This cruel war is a frightful state of things, but from it I hope will result
good to our country and to mankind — the extinction of the accursed institution
of slavery, and the restoration of our Union on the basis of universal liberty —
a result which I look for with confidence.
In the hope that the freedom of your country may not cost so
dear, I am, dear sir, yours, very truly.
[WILLIAM CULLEN
BRYANT.]
SOURCE: Parke Godwin, A Biography of William Cullen
Bryant, Volume 1, p. 187
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