DGR sent the epigram in a letter to
William Bell Scott of 12
February 1855, where he describes it as âa rough
recollectionâ of one of the epigrams of James Hannay (1827-1873) who, DGR tells Scott, is about to publish a book of epigrams titled Nettle Flowers. Hannay never published such a book and the epigram is probably DGR's own, though its reference (and the identity of Higg) is obscure. In the letter DGR says the lines are âmeant for someone you knowâ but once again the reference is not clear. In the letter DGR also praises Hannay's 1854 Satire and Satirists. Six Lectures.
This collection contains 2 texts and images, including:
[Letter to William Bell Scott, February 13, 1855]
Scholarly Commentary
IntroductionÂ
DGR sent the epigram in a letter to William Bell Scott of 12 February 1855, where he describes it as âa rough recollectionâ of one of the epigrams of James Hannay (1827-1873) who, DGR tells Scott, is about to publish a book of epigrams titled Nettle Flowers. Hannay never published such a book and the epigram is probably DGR's own, though its reference (and the identity of Higg) is obscure. In the letter DGR says the lines are âmeant for someone you knowâ but once again the reference is not clear. In the letter DGR also praises Hannay's 1854 Satire and Satirists. Six Lectures.
Textual History: CompositionÂ
The poem was written as part of DGR's letter, which is the only known manuscript.
Printing HistoryÂ
First published in William Bell Scott's Autobiographical Notes II. 32 . The epigram has never been collected.