Text: Lorettus, “Protesting Against Detraction,” New York Tribune (New York, NY), vol. XLV, no. 14,054, May 8, 1885, p. 4, col. 6

[page 4, column 6, continued:]

PROTESTING AGAINST DETRACTION.

To the Editor of The Tribune.

SIR: It did not come with the best grace from Mr. R. H. Stoddard, when the statue of Poe was about to be unveiled with imposing ceremonies in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, that he should gnaw with an envious tooth into the private character of that son of genius. Poe's frailties are not denied, but is it manly thus to overlay his splendors with the mire that thus befouls him and him who dabbles it with prurient hands? A greater judge has passed his sentence upon this wretched, lonely, immortal man. With clemency he has viewed his harsh environment, his scanty joys, wintry sunshines, corroding poverty, his wandering wit that was so fugitive in the border twilight of sane imaginings.

And what, I would ask, is to be gained by such a low tone in criticism as Mr. Stoddard's? Can no one mention the high philosophy of Bacon but he must be told that the great Chancellor took a bribe? Shall we only hear of Milton that he had marital infelicities? of Shakespeare that he stole deer; of Shelley that he was turned out of that college and was not married betimes to either of his wives; of Coleridge that be was an opium inebriate; or of Sappho that she loved not wisely but too well? Are we to look at men's sores and not their achievements? And why cannot poor Poe rest in his grave but the ghouls must be always tearing the tired heart afresh?

Then, as to one other statement: Is Mr. Stoddard willing to stand by his assertion that “dexterity in lying has always dominated the lesser singers of the world”? The great ones may be counted on the fingers; were all the rest liars? Very respectfully,

LORETTUS.

Keyport, N. J., May 6, 1885.