90.5. EBB to Frances Butler
Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 1.
[Hope End]
[7 June 1819] [1]
My dearest Fanny,
My Muse has had some little trouble in composing her thoughts into verse for she has been occupied for some time in an imaginary voyage to Worthing and a no less inspiring subject than “The Apron” could have aroused her attention to subjects of greater importance than Neptune. However this has not appeared an entirely imaginary voyage on her part as we are really on the eve of departing for that which Lord Byron calls “the dark blue depths <of> ocean”– Can I ever express my gratitude to you my dearest Fanny for tho’ I am mortal I can be grateful[.] Can I ever express my gratitude to you for the apron—it is really beautiful—but I cannot either in prosaic language or in poetic numbers acquaint you with my sentiments concerning it and your kindness in remembering me. You must imagine it all—for silence “chain my tongue”[.] “To hear from you soon” must prove a vain request, but may I be allowed to hope. No not to hope—but to wish “that you would write to me as soon as you can”[.] I know you will expect news but I fear I have none to offer you except what I hope is not news namely that I am
always your affecte niece
E B Barrett.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscipt: Amstrong Browning Library.
1. Date provided by EBB’s accompanying verse entitled “To dearest Fanny On receiving from her an Apron of exquisite workmanship.”
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