Observing that Hunt is "wearying and worrying [him]self to bits" about his work; noting that he "quite understand[s]" Hunt's concerns about his painting: "I think half my time is spent in a sort of despair & the few gleams of hope I ever have about work are so few -- & get fewer as years go -- & work takes longer & the heart is heavier year after year -- & what used to be in youth's ignorance such a dream that one day one would wake up a master & know how to do all that seemed good is but a dream -- & the day never comes -- our lives go by like that"; remarking that Hunt is "breaking [his] heart after this picture"; advising him to stick to his plan of setting a certain date for finishing the picture and doing no more work on it after that date; telling him to send word if he would like to dine in town.