467. EBB to Ann Henrietta Boyd & Hugh Stuart Boyd
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 58–59.
Sidmouth.
Friday [19 October 1832] [1]
My dearest friend,
I hope that before now you have sent your translations to Mr Clarke [2] and obtained his opinion. Was I right in understanding from a letter of yours that you had intended to do so, before he lost his father? I think I was,—but I am sure it would not be right in you, or fair to your own reputation, to make any unnecessary delay in applying to him. Whatever his decision may be, it cannot induce me to alter mine. I am unalterable about it. I may be unalterably wrong, of course.
The epigram which you sent to me, I forgot to mention when I wrote last. Should I have forgotten to mention it, if I had not forgotten to admire it? I dare say you have written many, which I should admire, since we parted.
How pleased I was to hear from Mrs Boyd of your being quite well. May that pleasure not be as transient as I have found others to be! If I can now, or hereafter, do one thing little or great for you, do not refuse to let me hear of it.
I have nothing to say which is likely to interest you—except, May God bless you—and I can say that without writing it on paper–
Yours affectionately
E B Barrett.
Dearest Annie,
I am trying to get some lobsters for you, & will send them when I succeed. They seem to be scarce here, just now. Thank you and Mrs Boyd for your letter: I will write more to you, by the lobsters.
What made you think of our leaving Sidmouth this winter? Did I not tell you that Papa came here, on account of its being warmer during the winter, than other places? Bro & Sam were at a party last night, where there were a hundred & sixty people—which proves how full the place is still!—
This letter is not full—but I shall end it.
Your affectionate Ba.
There have been only 8 cases of suspected cholera in all: and for the last three weeks, not one case. Very few people believe that the disease has been really here, even under the most mitigated form. Your report made us smile.
I hope Mrs Boyd is quite well. My best love to her! Arabel is expecting to hear from you. Her love—& Henrietta’s!
Address, on integral page: H S Boyd Esqr / Bath Hampton / Bath.
Publication: EBB-HSB, pp. 198–199.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
1. This letter is postmarked 20 October 1832; Friday was the previous day.
2. Joseph Butterworth Bulmer Clarke, son and biographer of Adam Clarke. Boyd’s translation was of Gregory Nazianzen’s “In Christi Nativitatem,” (see letter 469).
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