Third-person ALS, signed in the text once as “Alfred Tennyson” and four times as “Mr. Tennyson,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, December 1, 1865. Tennyson writes to Mrs. Lake. In part: “Mr. Tennyson presents his compliments to Mrs. Lake and begs to assure her that it is not possible to comply with her request. Songs come when they will come & Mr. Tennyson has never written songs for music but music has instead been put to his songs. The copyright of an author’s word remains his, Mr. Tennyson believes, whoever may set them to music. They have been set over and over again, both composer and publisher knowing it, so that Mr. Tennyson cannot understand … the objection in this instance but he is willing to grant the publication of the words In fine condition, with a hint of mild soiling and a few small pieces of ‘Tears idle tears’ to Mrs. Lake’s music (in spite of new regulations on the subject to which his publishers have been driven by innumerable applications) hoping that the sale may do some little toward the alleviation of Mrs. Lake’s sorrows which are indeed great from what is said…. ‘Tears idle tears’ requires music in four time it may be as well to say.” In fine condition, with a touch of light scattered soiling and a few pieces of early mounting tape to blank margins. R&R COA.
