COVE

November 15, 1907

My dearest Lizzie,

I was overjoyed to hear of your recent safe arrival in America. Residing here in Boston these past few years since my own voyage has been a delight, and I hope to pay you a visit in New York as soon as my husband’s schedule allows.

You once mentioned in our previous correspondence a poet by the name of Omar Khayyám, and your passion in speaking of him inspired me to seek out his work and engage with his words as you have. A bookshop near my home owned by one Mr. Nister – whom I believe has recently relocated near your new estate – featured a brilliant window display of Mr. Khayyám’s poem, and I have already acquired several copies for my own enjoyment. The editions I have collected thus far are humble in appearance, though Mr. Nister’s display reminded me of your mention of a club in London dedicated to the study of this poem. 

As I laid eyes on the edition accompanying this letter, I was reminded of your descriptions of the ornate bindings and illustrations featured in those presented to this club. While I hold no familiarity with this illustrator by the name of T. Heath Robinson, I was captivated by the striking midnight hue of the cover, the gilt edges, and his vivid illustrations scattered among the verses. I wonder if this Mr. Robinson holds any familial relationship with the English illustrator Mr. Thomas Robinson, though I am sure you would be interested to learn more given your proclivity for the history of English art.

In anticipation of your birthday on the twenty-first of November, I simply could not resist purchasing this edition so that we may share in the revelry of Mr. Khayyám’s verses. As I thumbed through the pages to admire the splendor, the illustration accompanying stanza IV struck me as particularly beautiful, and even reminded me of you — the first couplet itself felt particularly fitting for the occasion as well, by pure happenstance:

Now the New Year reviving old Desires,

The thoughtful Soul to Solitude retires…

Following your celebration next week, I hope you keep these lines in your thoughts, as I know you are a “thoughtful soul” yourself – perhaps you may evade your habit of solitude approaching the New Year by focusing your attention toward “reviving old desires.” Now that we have returned to living but a short trip away, I beg that you pay me a visit whenever you please during these cold and lonely months. 

As I read on with “old desires” at the forefront of my mind, I was reminded of you once again in Stanza XI:

Here with a Loaf of Bread beneath the Bough,

A Flask of Wine, a Book of Verse—and Thou

Beside me singing in the Wilderness—

And Wilderness is Paradise enow.

I hear New York is breathtaking as the flowers begin to bloom in early spring, and I hope that we may explore the City together when the time comes and its beauty is in full effect. Reminiscing upon the afternoons we spent picnicking in London all those years ago warms my heart, and too much time has passed since we last reunited. Lying in the shade of the oak trees, sharing wine and cheese, certainly felt like “Wilderness is Paradise enow” – I am sure the addition of Mr. Khayyám’s “Book of Verse” will only enrich the experience. 

Perhaps with this new edition you may initiate your own chapter of this Omar Khayyám club and connect with others who share your passion for his poetry. If you do so, please be sure to include my name as the first member. 

With love,

Madeline