1359. Thomas Westwood to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 7, 290–291.

Chase Side

Augst 24th 1843.

Dear Miss Barrett,

I intended to return the book much earlier, but in truth, it is the book’s own fault that I have not done so. First of all the ‘Legend’ was most peremptory in its demand to be read & re-read & then it positively refused to go back, till a copy had been made. So we were obliged to set a nimble little hand to work, & can now part with the volume, with the satisfactory feeling that all we most value in it, we have made our own. I cannot tell you how much I admire the poem, for every time I read it—my liking increases. I think it will be as great a favourite with us as the “Knight & the Page[.]” [1]

I often envy you very much. If but one half of your readers derive the same gratification from your works that we do, what an immense amount of pleasure you have it in your power to bestow[.] There is a penalty, I doubt not, attached to this high privilege. Compositions, so intense in their nature as your own, must often leave you, when the excitement is at an end, with an exhausted body, & a wearied mind, & I grieve to think that you must feel this the more deeply, from your otherwise feeble health—but still I envy you, believing that the Consciousness of the influence, you can at will exercise over others, & the better consciousness that that influence is always of a pure, & high, & healthful character, must be more than a compensation for the “anguish of the burning.” [2]

I shall be anxious to know that the book has arrived safely. Will you so far indulge me as to acknowle[d]ge its return.

With our best thanks, believe me to be dear Miss Barrett

Yours very sincerely,

T. Westwood.

Address: Miss E. B. Barrett.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Sic, for “The Romaunt of the Page.”

2. “Stanzas on the Death of Mrs. Hemans,” line 18 (in The Seraphim).

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