‘Joyce has Grit’

Abstract

15 November 1902. ‘I have seen Joyce who came up to see me last night. His mind is quite made up for Paris. I think from any ordinary standpoint his action is wild, but with boys like Joyce there is always the overshadowing powers to consider. I think he has genius of a kind and I like his pride and waywardness. I have written to a friend in Paris about him but cannot be sure if anything can be done by him. Joyce’s father is too poor and I think Joyce can only gather up money together to pay his fare over and keep him for two or three weeks. I think it likely if he could hold on for six weeks that he could find work. He is well educated, knows French and German and Italian and has a degree here. The cost of a medical degree in Paris is much less than in Trinity and if he could get tuition he would be able probably to pay his way. He can live cheaply and I can, through art students, put him in the way of finding financially possible lodging. I hope he will be all right. The more I know him the better I like him, and though I wish he could remain in Ireland still I would like to see him prosper somewhere. I am sure he will make a name somewhere.’

Seventy Years: Being the Autobiography of Lady Gregory, ed. Colin Smythe (Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire: Colin Smythe, 1974) pp. 425–6. Editor’s title.