638. EBB to Hugh Stuart Boyd

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 42–43.

[London]

[6 June 1838] [1]

My dear Mr Boyd,

Papa is scarcely inclined, nor am I for myself, to send my book or books to the East Indies. Let them alone poor things, until they can walk about a little!—and then it will be time enough for them to ‘learn to fly[’]!–

I was so sorry that Emily Harding saw Arabel & went away without this note which I have been meaning to write to you for several days, & have been so absorbed & drawn away (all except my thoughts) by other things necessary to be done, that I was forced to defer it. My ballad containing a Ladye dressed up like a page & gallopping off to Palestine in a manner which would scandalize you, went to Miss Mitford this morning. But I augur from its length, that she will not be able to receive it into Finden.

Arabel has told me what Miss Harding told her of your being in the act of going through my Seraphim for the second time. For the feeling of interest in me which brought this labour upon you, I thank you, my dear friend. What your opinion is, & will be, I am prepared to hear with a good deal of awe. You will certainly not approve of the poem.

There now! You see I am prepared. Therefore do not keep back one rough word, for friendship’s sake—but be as honest as––you could not help being, without this request!–

If I should live, I shall write (I believe) better poems than the Seraphim: which belief will help me to survive the condemnation heavy upon your lips.

Affectionately yours

E B Barrett.

Address: H S Boyd Esqr / 3. Circus Road / St John’s Wood.

Publication: LEBB, I, 62–63.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. The reference to sending off the manuscript of “The Romaunt of the Page” dates this letter as 6 June 1838; it is postmarked 7 June 1838.

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