1536. Thomas Westwood to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 8, 208–209.

Chase Side

Feby. 19th 1844

My dear Miss Barrett,

I have tried to be very stoical, but after all, my lips will open with the question,—[“]have you received your book?”– If it be safe upon your shelf, pray do not write: & pray, also, forgive my seeming discourtesy in saying so—you know my motive—& indeed, I have but one– Of late too, I have always pictured you to myself as beyond measure busy—with a perpetual proofsheet before you—& a small incarnation of printer’s ink, continually at the door. And are you not near your denouement? We are waiting for you with outstretched hands—warm—welcoming hands too—though I need not tell you that– I see you are coming out also in Mr Horne’s book. I am quite curious to see this book, so full of celebrities– Is it likely to be very good? If the mention of you, is to be critical, I hope Mr Horne will write it him [sic] himself, for I think he could write it.

So winter has pelted us with snow-balls, & tilted at us with icicles after all, notwithstanding the fair false face [1] he turned to us at first. You have not, I trust, suffered from the Sudden Change. When you do write, put in one word about yourself. You have made us feel so much near friendliness towards you, that that ‘one word’ will always be the most welcome in your letter.

Believe me to be,

Dear Miss Barrett,

Very Sincerely Yours

T. Westwood

Address: Miss E. B. Barrett / 50 Wimpole St / London.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Cf. Macbeth, I, 7, 82.

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