2469. EBB to Hugh Stuart Boyd
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 13, 130.
[London]
[Postmark: 7 July 1846]
Is it true, dearest Mr Boyd, that I appear to you so guilty? The intention, at least, has clean hands.
I waited to be able to tell you, together with my gratitude about the Cyprus, on what day I could hope to see you again—and I have been again shaken & saddened by more details of poor Mr Haydon,—besides the excitement, from the arrival, in the house, of my aunt & cousin. Do try to forgive me,—because I never could intend an unkindness towards you—think if I could. Your affectionate words sink deeply,—and affectionately & gratefully I feel towards you, beyond what words could say on that day of my visit, [1] & beyond what they will attempt to say now. May God bless you.
As to the Cyprus, I almost think that I will ask you to keep for me the bottle you speak of, & let me drink it with the gods, when I go to see you. It will be doing the right honour to the nectar. And I will drink, if you please, to Ossian’s immortal memory!—which you, on the other side, shall set against all my faults!
Your ever affectionate
Elibet.
Address: H S Boyd Esqre / 24 (a) Grove End Road / St John’s Wood.
Publication: EBB-HSB, p. 279.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
1. In letter 2446 EBB described to RB her 30 June visit with Boyd, the first in seven years. In a letter to RB ten days prior to the visit (letter 2428), she mentioned her apprehension about the forthcoming visit, and explained how she had gone to his house “not to see him, but as a preliminary step to seeing him.”
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