Then there were lightnings and thunders, and the earth shook; and terrible voices were heard in heaven, passing to and fro.
And one said, 'Hence, ye that corrupt justice;' and another said, 'The brood of the eagle is come home to roost;' and another, 'The roof is down.' And then there were yells and groans; and among mankind there was weeping and laughter, many smiles and tears, and they cried to the stranger, 'Judge us, thou king of Gods and men.' But he, turning, said, 'Nay, but ye are judged already.' Then was there peace on earth." There are, besides these, several unfinished studies, and two or three note-books full of jotted conversations and thoughts of all kinds--a curious mixture.
He carefully left all the publishers' letters which he received in answer to his application.

They are twenty-two in number, and are all refusals.

They are tied carefully up, and are labeled, "My Literary Career." All these compositions are the work of about seven years, except some of the poems which were written at Cambridge.

The novel was begun and finished in about six weeks, in 1878.

It is a poor plot, and mawkish in character, though not without merits of style.
During all this time his interest in writing never flagged.