It tells how much _Leaves of Grass_, and especially the Calamus section, had helped the writer.

"What the love of man for man has been in the past," Symonds wrote, "I think I know.
What it is here now, I know also--alas! What you say it can and should be I dimly discern in your Poems.

But this hardly satisfies me--so desirous am I of learning what you teach.

Some day, perhaps,--in some form, I know not what, but in your own chosen form,--you will tell me more about the Love of Friends.
Till then I wait." "Said W: 'Well, what do you think of that?
Do you think that could be answered ?' 'I don't see why you call that letter driving you hard.

It's quiet enough--it only asks questions, and asks the questions mildly enough,' 'I suppose you are right--"drive" is not exactly the word: yet you know how I hate to be catechised.
Symonds is right, no doubt, to ask the questions: I am just as much right if I do not answer them: just as much right if I do answer them.