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Correspondence from George MacNie Cowie to Aleister Crowley
14 Glenisla Gardens, Edinburgh.
[Undated: circa 1913?]
Care Frater.
Tis all well. Behold me clothed and in my right mind. An acute attack of senile dementia averted. Weep, no more, Brother! What happened was that for six days, no more, that steady going old planet and Seeker after Serenity (oh bitter irony) Weggushaving approached too near the orbit of Venus, was deflected in his course. It was really that I seemed to see for a little an easy and pleasant escape from housekeeping horrors combined with a possible companionship on the Path. Silly ass, no doubt, I cheerfully admit that. It would have been running a terrible risk, and the loss of honour.
By Friday I had come to the conclusion that the idea was immoral in any case, on account of the difference in years, and when I had read your letter it did not take me two seconds to see where the right course lay and I have come out of it with merely relief at having escaped a danger. I owe you more than thanks for the letter, but I'm wounded in my tenderest feelings that you believe I said that a B.A. degree would be a help on the Path. Good Lord!
By taking time and rewriting it, I am making this letter very short, not to waste more of your time. There are many things would make you think better of me, in this, but let 'em go. The young lady is quite aware that I am sworn to the Work, and would be surprised if she knew I had wavered, so there's no danger—Shouldn't wonder if you'll know her yet as a Probationer of yours, so don't pillory her, please. Pile it all on me. I don't mind in the least your calling me an idiot and other pet names, you know. It's all right.
I seemed to have missed the connection for Bovril though, or you have shunted me successfully. Meditation etc going all right today—(I stopped not all the time)
That's splendid about your M.S. As you will of course register it, let me know please, what day you will send it, won't you.
It's been very unfortunate for me the loss of my poor step-sister, who in literal fact mothered me, and made all things easy for me. We never had a disagreement or any trouble, in six years.
My mind will now be serene again as I approach initiation. I've an extra motive now for paying a little of my great debt to you by copying out the Book of the Voice of God.
We are friends again Brother?
Fraternally.
Q.S.
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