630. EBB to Hugh Stuart Boyd

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 31–32.

[London]

[May 1838] [1]

My dear friend,

I am rather better than otherwise within the last few days—but fear that nothing will make me essentially so except the invisible sun– I am however a little better—& God’s will is always done in mercy.

As to the poems—do forgive me dear Mr Boyd,—& refrain from executing your cruel threat of suffering “the desire of reading them to pass away”.

I have not one sheet of them—and Papa, and to say the truth, I myself would so very much prefer your reading the preface first, that you must try to indulge us in our phantasy. The book, Mr Bentley half promises to finish the printing of, this week. [2] At any rate it is likely to be all done in the next: and you may depend upon having a copy as soon as I have power over one–

With kind regards to Miss Holmes, believe me

Your affectte friend

EBB–

Address, on integral page: H S Boyd Esqr / 3 Circus Road.

Publication: LEBB, I, 60–61.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. Dated by the impending publication of The Seraphim.

2. Samuel Bentley (1785–1868), of Dorset Street, was the printer chosen for The Seraphim.

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