“Intestinal Agitation”
From Pall-Mall Gazette, London, England, Feb 8, 1890 Mr. Ernest Rhys has just receiv’d an interesting letter from Walt Whitman, dated “Camden, January 22, 1890.” The following is an extract from it:
I am still here—no very mark’d or significant change or happening—fairly buoyant spirits, &c.—but surely, slowly ebbing. At this moment sitting here, in my den, Mickle street, by the oakwood fire, in the same big strong old chair with wolf-skin spread over back—bright sun, cold, dry winter day. America continues—is generally busy enough all over her vast demesnes (intestinal agitation I call it,) talking, plodding, making money, every one trying to get on—perhaps to get towards the top—but no special individual signalism—(just as well, I guess.)