Correspondence

395.  EBB to Hugh Stuart Boyd

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 276–277.

[Hope End]

Jany 9th [1831] [1]

My dearest friend,

I cannot send a note to Woodland Lodge, without thanking you for yours, which I have this moment received. As Maddox is going immediately, I can scarcely do more than thank you,—but I will write again when I have done as you desire, and I will do that, as soon [2] as possible. Of course I received your letter about Bentley,—and answered it—did I not? at least I intended to do so, in spite of all its severity. I cannot conclude this, without saying that your expression “I hope you will soon be better & able to come & see us”, made me experience a movement of pleasure which I had not experienced for some time. It made me feel that one happiness at least, that of your society, was not removed from me—I thank God for that. I can value it, even if I am not worthy of it—and indeed there never were or could be any, out of my own immediate family, towards whom I have felt as I have & must ever feel towards you. [2] If Bro were in the way I would ask him now about the digamma, & satisfy you on one point. I do not ask you to write if you should be disinclined, but I hope Mrs Boyd or Annie will not let me be without a note, for any length of time.

May God bless you, dear Mr Boyd. Remember me in your prayers– You are never forgotten in mine!–

Yours affectionately

E B Barrett.

There seems to be no necessity for sending back the Homer now. And if I do, how can I consult it for you?

Sir Robert will, I am sure, allow me to keep it as long as either of us can wish.

This letter is more illegible than my most illegible letters. I am tired of writing—being not strong enough to be long in tiring.

Bro has just come in. He pronounced the digamma at the Charterhouse, as w, not v; & never pronounced it in the middle of words.

Ten days ago, I was thinking of writing to ask you whether you would prefer seeing the passage in my poem, which relates to you, before it is printed. Perhaps there may be something, in your opinion, to be omitted or added. [3]

Address, on integral page: H. S. Boyd Esqr / Great Malvern.

Publication: EBB-HSB, pp. 114–115.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. Year determined by the reference to Sir Robert Price’s copy of Carmina Homerica, borrowed in December (see letter 390).

2. Underscored three times.

3. We have not been able to make any positive identification of this passage. Apparently Boyd did propose changes (see letter 396, second paragraph).

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