COVE

To my lovely little sister: Elizah Bennett

From: Jane Bennett

Christmas, 1905

Dearest Eliza,

I am sending this beautiful edition of Omar Khayyám’s Rubáiyát to you in the hopes that it reaches you before your painting exhibition on January 20. I know how much you admire Gilbert James’ illustrations, and I wanted you to have this special edition of the Rubáiyát so you can see them up close. As you flip through this, you’ll see twelve special photogravures scattered throughout the novel, for this edition is a special part of James’ “Photogravure Series”. I am no expert, but I do believe that James’ art style is quite expressionist, incredibly moving and symbolic in so many ways. I think you will greatly enjoy those photogravures and their relation to the verses by their side, and I hope they provide some reassurance before the twentieth, as I know how nervous you get before sharing your works with the public.

In anticipation of your exhibition, I wanted to share a few quotations that calm me in moments of distress and unease. “Set not thy heart on any good or gain, Life means but pleasure, or means but pain;” is one of my favorites of Khayyám’s. It echoes something our Mother would always tell us, that we can only control our actions, not reactions. You can’t guarantee good or bad, and what matters is that you did your best – don’t set your heart on any good or gain, Eliza dear. Khayyám continues, saying “when Time lets slip a little perfect hour, O take it – for it will not come again”. Soak in this time while you can, sister. Even the sense of nervousness, anticipation, excitement - you will miss this later on. This is such a special time in your life. I am so excited for your new path in the arts, Eliza, and know you will go far. Even though I cannot be there in person, I hope this book serves as a reminder of my belief in you.

All my love,

Jane