542. EBB to Samuel Carter Hall [1]
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 199-200.
74 Gloucester Place
Portman Square.
Tuesday- [22 November 1836] [2]
Sir,
I had the pleasure of receiving a note from you, conveying to me a kind & gratifying opinion of the two poems lately printed in the New Monthly Magazine, [3] but silent on the subject of “future contribution.” This note accompanied the proofsheets of my Poet’s vow; & under the same cover & on the same day, I sent another note in reply & acknowledgment.
I received no second communication until yesterday, when your note expressed to me some surprise at not having heard from me: I should indeed be sorry even to seem deficient in any return of courtesy, after the kind reception you have given to my poems.
The poem I am at present engaged upon, [4] I am afraid I shall not be able to prepare for publication in time for the next month, but I venture in the meanwhile to enclose to you one of a simpler character, [5] -as to the adaptation of which to your Magazine, you will of course judge far better than I can do.
I have the honor to remain
Sir,
Your obedient servant
E B Barrett
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Trinity College, Hartford.
1. Letter 550 makes clear that Hall (1800-89) was the recipient of this letter, rather than Theodore Edward Hook (1788-1841), who took over the editorship of The New Monthly Magazine from Hall at the end of 1836.
2. Dated by reference to the following letter.
3. “The Romaunt of Margret” and “The Poet’s Vow,” in the issues of July and October.
4. i.e., “The Seraphim.”
5. Presumably “The Island,” printed in The New Monthly Magazine in January 1837 (XLIX, 22-25). (This is not the same poem as “An Island,” included in The Seraphim.)
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