ALS signed "Henry W. Longfellow," one page, 4.5 x 7.25, January 23, 1881. Letter to a woman in Pennsylvania. In full: "In reply to your question I would inform you, that the second line of the stanza should be in quotation marks. What follows is the reason why the young man does not want to hear Life called an 'empty dream.'" In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold, and a uniform shade of mild toning. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Longfellow's hand, with his last name written in the lower left in another hand.
Longfellow wrote 'The Psalm of Life' shortly after completing lectures on German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and was heavily inspired by him. He was also inspired to write it by a heartfelt conversation he had with friend and fellow professor at Harvard University Cornelius Conway Felton; the two had spent an evening 'talking of matters, which lie near one's soul:–and how to bear one's self doughtily in Life's battle: and make the best of things.' A wonderful reference to this very thought-provoking composition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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