The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe - Edgar Allan Poe [1243]
I have gotten nearly out of my late embarrassments. Neilson would not aid me, being much pushed himself. He would, no doubt, have aided me, if possible. Present my respects if you see him.
Very truly yours,
Edgar A. Poe.
Suppose you send me proofs of my articles; it might be as well — that is, if you have time. I look anxiously for the first number, from which I date the dawn of a fine literary day in Baltimore.
After the 15th I shall be more at leisure and will be happy to do you any literary service in my power. You have but to hint.
E.A.P.
BRYAN, DANIEL
Daniel Bryan to Edgar Allan Poe — May 13, 1842
My dear Sir
The favourable opinions which you have expressed of the productions of my humble Muse, and the kind feeling which you have invariably manifested towards me, will, I trust, be a satisfactory apology for this communication. —
Aware of your connexion with Graham’s Magazine, and flattering myself with a belief that you will not be wanting either in the disposition, or the power, to render acceptable to its proprietor the effusions herewith transmitted, I confide them to your disposal with a view to their publication in that work at such time, and in such manner, as you may deem advisable. —
At the hazard of incurring from you the imputation of indelicacy if not of vanity, I venture here to offer the suggestion that the “Crowning of the May Queen” — would, in my estimation, form a most excellent subject for an embellishment for your deservedly popular Journal. — It appears to me that to the fancy of an Artist of genius and fine taste, — such as the exquisite engravings for Graham’s Magazine prove can readily be enlisted in its service, the whole coronation scene of the May Queen constitutes a rich field for successful selection and felicitous execution. — The Queen — the royal robes — the crown — the Goddesses, the Maids of Honour — the Floras — the garlands of Flowers — the Spectators, all present, I think, a profusion of materials for the exercise of the finest powers of an Artist. To give variety to the picture, the gratified father and mother of the Queen might be exhibited in striking positions — and to afford a sufficient contrast of characters there might be shown among the youthful female spectators the sneer of Envy, and the mischievous pranks of the Romp, while in the back ground the eager stare & good natured gratification and surprise of the representatives of humble life, might be made to diversify and heighten the contrast of the scene. —
A strong feature of interest in such a picture, I venture to suggest, might be derived from the sportive raillery conveyed in a corresponding archness of expression of the younger sister of the Queen, who, as one of the 1st Goddesses, tenders a Sprig of Rue as her offering. —
I have thrown out these hasty intimations for your consideration without indulging any thing like a confident expectation that you will regard my verses as worthy of the compliment which the association there with of a picture, corresponding with my suggestions, would bestow upon them; and more because I fully believe the subject is one eminently adapted to the appropriate embellishment of your Magazine, than from any hope that my poetry is entitled to the honour which such a picture wd confer upon it. — But if you should deem my views worthy of being carried into effect — there wd (would) be time enough in the course of the summer to have the engraving executed, & the publication of the verse cd (could) be kept back to accompany the illustration. —
Whatever may be your decision on the subject, and however chimerical you may regard my notions in connexion with it, I feel assured that my sensibilities are safe in your hands, and that you will estimate my motives and feelings in the matter in a generous and a friendly spirit. —
Although I have not the happiness to be personally