1135. EBB to Mary Russell Mitford

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 6, 303.

[London]

Jan. 24. 1843–

One word to you my ever beloved friend—& then you will not be sorry that I leave off troubling you for today. But one word to say how earnestly warmly & faithfully I send my wishes out upon our dear Mr Kenyon’s wind that it may carry all gladness & prosperity to you & the like to those who love you. Not only does the public form of the subscription meet my “approval” (whatever sous that may be worth) but I wd certainly prefer it myself to any more restricted appeal to counties or individuals– It is likely to be pleasanter to your feelings,—my own sympathies tell me,—by very far! & may God grant that it may make us all happy by giving comfort to you, up to the top of your expectation & desire.

There! That is all I shall write today to you, my dearest friend! I am frightened of troubling you in the midst of trouble– We must wait to take up the thread of our letter writing, until you grow into what the Romans called “dignified leisure” [1] —until the first buzz of this business has subsided—& then, you shall hear me hum again. In the meanwhile you are too kind in granting me the least of your thoughts,—tho’ mine belong to you in truest & most heartfelt affection. May God bless you!

Your EBB–

Publication: EBB-MRM, II, 169.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. “Cum otium dignitate” (Cicero, Epistulæ ad Familiares, I, 9, 21).

___________________