Mr Higginson,

Are you too deeply occupied to say if my Verse is alive?

The Mind is so near itself - it cannot see, distinctly - and I have none to ask -

Should you think it breathed - and had you the leisure to tell me, I should feel quick gratitude -

If I make the mistake - that you dared to tell me - would give me sincerer honor - toward you -

I enclose my name - asking you, if you please - Sir - to tell me what is true?

That you will not betray me - it is needless to ask - since Honor is it's own pawn -