Letter 260 (15 April 1862) T. W. Higginson (”Tell me what is true?”) lyrics
by Emily Dickinson
Mr Higginson,
Are you too deeply occupied to say if my Verse is alive?
The Mind is so near itself - it cannot see, distinctly - and I have none to ask -
Should you think it breathed - and had you the leisure to tell me, I should feel quick gratitude -
If I make the mistake - that you dared to tell me - would give me sincerer honor - toward you -
I enclose my name - asking you, if you please - Sir - to tell me what is true?
That you will not betray me - it is needless to ask - since Honor is it's own pawn -