1179. EBB to John Kenyon
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 7, 11.
[London]
Tuesday Night. [mid-March 1843] [1]
.... ‘O angels! let your flood of bitter scorn dash on me!’ [2]
I empower you my dear cousin to alter it so if you like it so better upon reconsideration. I have a sort of leaning towards the old reading for the sake of the double expressiveness of the word ‘salt’ which suits both ‘flood’ & ‘scorn’—but you are ‘empowered’ .. and I wont be “perverse” even with this pen– Is the rest clear?–
My heart is full, dearest Mr Kenyon, when I think of your kindness!
Ever affectely yours
EBB–
Address: John Kenyon Esqr / 4 Harley Place.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
2. Lines 11–12 of “An Apprehension,” in Poems (1844) appeared thus, as did EBB’s earlier fair copy (see Reconstruction, D37), but her draft (see Reconstruction, D34) read: “O angels, let the flood of your full scorn dash upon me!”
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