1592. Thomas Westwood to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 8, 293.
Chase Side
April 4th 1844–
A somewhat impatient knock at my door this afternoon, dear Miss Barrett prefaced the entrance of two very bright faces, sunlit by your advertisement; & my somewhat dull face grew, I am very sure as bright as theirs, when the news was told. I cannot hope to be the first, to wish all kind wishes, for the success of this new book of yours [1] —but I am sure no friend of yours, however never near, can be more hopeful & eager in its behalf than I am.
It gave me great pleasure to read those few kind words in the Athenæum, [2] the other day, about yourself—& the more so, that they are in some sort a guarantee that your book will receive proper treatment when it comes to be reviewed– As for Mr. Horne,—I have not yet read his work, & would almost rather not do so for I feel sure from what I have heard about it, that I should be disappointed. When I found that you were coupled with Mrs Norton, I waxed indignant at once—both indignant & beyond measure surprised, for what points of similarity he can find between you, I cannot even imagine[.] It seems to me that Mr. Horne will not add to the fame which Orion built up by this new speculation.
When you have rested from your labours, [3] dear Miss Barrett, & have basked awhile in the sunshine you will write to me will you not? I have been glad not to hear from you of late but I shall be doubly glad & grateful too, if you will write then.
Believe me to be
Very sincerely yours,
T Westwood.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. The Athenæum of 6 April included “The Exile and Other Poems” among the new books “announced in the past week.”
2. For these “few kind words,” see p. 378.
3. Cf. Revelation, 14:13.
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