two letters relating to pupils of the High School, Cork:
the first addressed to John Ruskin, 1st December 1885, 'Dear Mr Ruskin, We write for the Pupils of the High School, who have been anxious to express their great satisfaction at hearing of your recovery to health, but they waited in order to be able to send you a very hearty invitation to their breaking-up Conceit. Only they fear that the present inclement weather and the long journey to Cork may prevent your acceptance. Our Lady Principal is writing to you and she will tell you much better than we can, how deeply we should enjoy your presence then, or indeed on any occasion, if you will come to see us. We would ask our Queen to exercise here authority, but that we think it would be thoughtless and selfish just now but indeed we should be proud to welcome you in our school. We would like to tell you of our successes in the Year’s Examinations, because we are very proud of two of our elder girls, one of whom, Nita, has just passed her First University Examination in Dublin, and Lattie, on the Queen’s elder maidens, has matriculated in the Royal University. Maggie, Eva, Ethel, Florrie, Susanna, Daisy and Ethel the Second, passed the Intermediate Examinations in English, Mathematics and Modern Languages. While Lattie, Daisy, Maggie Lizzie, Florrie, Lily, Lottie and Annie have all gained Certificates in Botany. We are, Dear Mr Ruskin, Your affectionate Pupils of the High School, Rose Queen',
the second addressed to Mr dear Queen', 'I am quite happy with your Majesty’s letter – signed as it is by your loving subjects – and can quite peacefully wait to receive the Lady Principal’s by next post, it has not reached me with yours. She cannot tell me better than you can yourselves, what you want of me – and I should most thankfully have come - and listened – and heard – and much more than I can tell – besides, had I been able now to go anywhere. But though I am’ better’ and even, for an old man, well (or at least able for the things I chiefly wished to carry forward, I am altogether wholly unable for travelling, - and for all very delightful – as for all exciting and anxious things . I can’t let my head be turned - as it would in Ireland , when I’ve only just got it a little into order again after an illness, more serious than I care to tell you – Though I am writing quite seriously, - and not in play. But even ‘serious’ letters are forbidden me, yet a while. I hope before May day of next year to be of some use to you – even though I cannot be with you & I am always your loving and grateful servant
J Ruskin' (2)
Browse the selection of John Ruskin Letters featured in our 9 July 'Dreams | A Unique Private Collection' auction.
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Auction: DREAMS | A Unique Private Collection, 9th Jul, 2025
Viewing
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