“It is an old belief that on some solemn shore beyond the sphere of grief dear friends shall meet once more.”

Consoling hope of reunion beyond death · Letter to Thomas Carlyle, 1842

• Death
• Friendship
• Hope

“Is thy servant a dog, that he should do this thing?”

Humorous refusal of a portrait sitting · Letter to Patrick Robertson, circa 1850

• Humour
• Self
• Vanity