BRACERS Record Detail for 17069

To access the original letter, email the Russell Archives.

Collection code
RA3
Recent acquisition no.
69
Document no.
000014A
Box no.
2.53
Filed
OM scans 18_4_1: 60
Source if not BR
Texas, U. of, HRC
Recipient(s)
Morrell, Ottoline
Sender(s)
BR
Date
1911/04/02*
Form of letter
ALS(DX)
Pieces
1
Notes and topics

"Sunday morning. Ottoline my dearest, your dear letter of yesterday has just come, and I have time to write a few words before I get up."

Transcription

BR TO OTTOLINE MORRELL, [2 APR. 1911]
BRACERS 17069. ALS. Morrell papers #14A, Texas
Proofread by K. Blackwell and A.G. Bone


<Fernhurst>1, 2
Sunday morning.

Ottoline my Dearest, your dear letter of yesterday has just come, and I have time to write a few words before I get up. Yes, my love has whatever greatness I am capable of — all that is best in me goes into it — religion, love of beauty, truth, and the great hunger to make the whole lot of man less pitiful. I cannot really care without making what I care for a symbol of something universal. Life is like a mountain top in a mist, at most times cold and blank, with aimless hurry — then suddenly the world opens out, and gives visions of unbelievable beauty. But I must somehow make what comes to me into a gift to mankind, if I am not to feel ashamed of having so much that others lack. It is visions that redeem life — it is visions that make what is best in everything. I do not mean unreal visions, I mean seeing the hidden things that may be made manifest. And I want to give the visions to others — I can’t bear to see men failing for want of courage in loving the best. I wonder if you know all I am trying to say — I am not saying it very clearly — but what I mean is somehow that you belong with religion to me, and that therefore I will make our love help me in trying to preserve ideals in men without what seems to me false belief — which is what at bottom I most want to do.

Darling of course I think we might meet Wednesday afternoon, I shall always think we might meet if you ask me. Tell me where and when — I think Putney Heath — but I should want to know exactly where to find you. I am glad you like Deirdre. I saw it acted once, and have been reading it these last days. I shall have to give you something you have already, or else something not very good.

Goodbye dear Heart. Wednesday will be joy. My whole being is one song to you of love and reverence.

B.

  • 1

    [document] Document 000014A. Proofread against a colour scan of the original.

  • 2

    [letterhead] BR was not writing from his letterhead’s address of Bagley Wood, Oxford.

Permission
Everyone
Transcription Public Access
Yes
Record no.
17069
Record created
Aug 11, 2004
Record last modified
Jun 23, 2025
Created/last modified by
blackwk