A CHRISTMAS GREETING

Whilst occupied with a greater work, there sprung forth--as the flowers spring forth in the forest--seven short stories.* I feel a desire, a longing, to transplant in England the first produce of my poetic garden, as a Christmas greeting: and I send it to you, my dear, noble, Charles Dickens, who by your works had been previously dear to me, and since our meeting have taken root for ever in my heart.