1121. Benjamin Robert Haydon to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 6, 281.

London

Jan 9 1843

My dear Invisible Friend, are you convinced I am mad? I fear the memoirs will confirm it– [1] It was a confidential confiding, & therefore ought to be considered only which it is– The gradual progress of thought, perception & sensation—only suppose we are never to see each other! [2] —as long as we live, always to correspond & never to speak, never to descend to the Vulgarity of speaking; I am delighted at the Idea, but dont keep me on the rack about the manuscript—if there be any thing a delicate mind ought not to be subjected to—make allowance–

Ever yours

BRH

Address: Miss B. Barrett / 50. Wimpole St

Publication: EBB-BRH, pp. 22–23.

Manuscript: University of Vermont.

1. i.e., his manuscript autobiography, sent to EBB with letter 1109.

2. Despite Haydon’s urgings, EBB refused to receive him and they never did meet.

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