403. EBB to Hugh Stuart Boyd

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 287.

[Hope End]

[24–25 March 1831] [1]

My dearest friend,

In spite of all the happiness I shall have in seeing Papa today, I am disappointed—for it has now become impossible for me to spend two days with you next week, as you had proposed, & as I could not help agreeing to do. A note saying this, was actually written. Well! it cannot be helped. Certainly Papa will not help it,—for he would not like to part with me or any of us, so soon—not until we had tired him a little!–

How could you think of sending me Heyne’s Homer? [2] Tho’ it was much too kind in you, yet you may be forgiven by very lenient judges, in consideration of the pleasure you gave me with the books. Shall I not value them always? Saying “yes”, is saying only that I must always be

yours affectionately

E B Barrett.

I mean to contrive to see you soon some way or other,—tho’ I am afraid not quite in the best way!——

Friday,– This note was written to go yesterday but was left behind,—and it is opened today that I may tell of Papa’s being come. Mr Curzon had arrived only a short time before him,—so that I had no opportunity of talking to him (Mr C:) about you, as much as I wished. But he told me that he meant to go to see you soon. Do you observe how wrong you were?

Address, on integral page: H. S. Boyd Esqr

Publication: EBB-HSB, pp.119–120.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. EBB’s Diary entry of 1 September 1831 says that Heyne’s Homer was given her on Boyd’s birthday, 23 March.

2. Christian Gottlob Heyne (1729–1812) published his Homeri Carmina in 1802, followed by editions of The Iliad and other classical works.

___________________