1151.5. John Kenyon to EBB

Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 6.

[London]

Monday 13th [February 1843]

I will not say my dear E.B.B. that you are too kind—too generous—because it is only according to the harmony of your own balanced nature that you should be all that you are– But I will say that you are very kind—very generous—doing or judging–

—Yes—We will be optimists together and hold that All is for the Best—albeit not Our Best.– That fervid friend of ours, in her own high temperature, feels neither the heat nor the Cold– She does for herself as much—but not more—than she would do for others– All unconscious of difference of position. It vexes me to think what others must think who have not our assured faith to bank on– We will however be Optimists together—spite of the Pessimists. When I think and feel as you do I am sure not to be wrong–

But is not this one of the sad legacies from a coarse parent? Her very lovingness—her very dutifulness has betrayed her– Who can have to defend some loved one for a series of years—thro all the thicks and thins of conduct without some injury to the power of wisely judging & delicately feeling–

And now, very dear Cousin, in my capacity of Receiver I acknowledge to have had £25 from you. Tomorrow I will send her word of it– A Coll Barcliff sent me £5 this morning—who knows her only by name–

Yrs always affly

John Kenyon

You will of course allow your name to be on the list. It will do good.

Address: Miss E. B. Barrett.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

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