Quotes from Edgar A. Poe, letter, 1846

I have been for a long time dreadfully ill. I am getting better, however, although slowly, and shall get well. In the meantime the flocks of little birds of prey that always take the opportunity of illness to peck at a sick fowl of larger dimensions, have been endeavoring with all their power to effect my ruin.

...although I feel ill, and am ground into the very dust with poverty, there is a sweet hope in the bottom of my soul.

Except yourself I have never met the man for whom I felt that intimate sympathy (of intellect as well as soul) which is the sole basis of friendship.