450. EBB to Hugh Stuart Boyd
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 16–17.
[Hope End]
Saturday morng. [12 May 1832] [1]
I cannot go to Malvern today—but it will be the same thing. I will go on Monday; and I could not, I believe, go both today & Monday, even if you wished it.
Papa’s speculation about the King seems to have fallen to the ground already. As a popular king he is no more!– The bill is considered to be safer than ever it was, tho’ the people will have to thank for its safety, not any of the house of Brunswick, but themselves. The non-payment of taxes, is an irresistible engine, & will be put into action everywhere. None will be paid at Ledbury,—where they call William the fourth the Duke of Clarence, & are about to establish a Political union. There are reports that an anti-Grey administration can not be made up, in which case, peers must be made after all. And perhaps the address of the Commons to the King, which was to be resolved upon last night, may produce some effect. [2] The poor King—I cannot help being sorry for him. His error was not duplicity but weakness,—& those Dalilahs, the Queen & the Duchess of Kent & his sisters, deserve to be thrown to the Philistines instead of him. It is stated that after Lord Grey’s departure, he was very much affected. Lord Grey’s conduct has been worthy of his cause.
This is all that you will care to hear about. I shall be with you on Monday—and altho’ I shall be with you on Monday, I shall be glad when next week is over [3] – I have asked no questions & shall ask none. I have struggled for a long time with the stream—& now—let it flow on. There is no use in struggling with it—& in a little while it will be of little consequence, even to me, if it flowed or not.
Ever yours affectionately
E B Barrett.
Address, on integral page: H S Boyd Esqr / Ruby Cottage / Malvern Wells.
Publication: EBB-HSB, p. 168.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
1. Dated by the references to political events.
2. The Times of 11 May reported the debate in the House of Commons the previous day on a resolution to submit an address to the King, “to represent to His Majesty the deep regret felt by this House … by the retirement of those Ministers in whom this house continues to repose unabated confidence.” Mentioning the reform bill sent to the Lords, the address expresses “apprehension that any successful attempt to mutilate or impair its efficiency would be productive of the greatest disappointment and dismay” and implores the King to call to office “such persons only as will carry into effect … that bill for the reform of the representation of the people.” The resolution passed by a vote of 288–208.
3. Because the Boyds had resolved on moving from Malvern on the expiry of their lease of Ruby Cottage.
___________________
