Correspondence

125.  Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) & Daniel McSwiney to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 120–121.

March. 18th 1821.

My ever dearest Ba

I am extremely sorry to have thus offended your mightiness to such a degree in not answering your enquiries about Silentius but I cannot ascertain at present from Mr McSwiney, much information concerning them, however he says that they desire to shorten it before they insert any of it. I hope you will in your next letter tell me whether you would concent to cutting short of poor Silentius which cost you so much trouble and concerning which you expended so many Elegant and complimentary phrases toward your humble Servant. [1] Wonders upon wonder well they will never cease Mr McSwiney and Miss Edwards again reconciled to each other he who but a fortnight ago had returned all her letters and picture this last week walked so many miles on purpose to see her. Mr Mc I and Papa have been so much engaged this evening with a latin verse (which after all turns out to be impossible to be done) that here I am after dinner before I can get on with your letter and therefore you must excuse the length of this letter however, if possible on Wedensday I will endeavour to make up for it by writing to you again. Last wedensday Mr McSwiney called upon me to tell the bad news to me (though perhaps you may acuse me of selfishness) of Papa’s and Stormy’s departure for dear Hope End and I leave you to guess my surprise and delight when, on calling for me on Saturday he told me that he was not gone. I am delighted to hear how well you are coming on with St Paul and I think if you put your whole powers to it (which (however [2] you do, to whatever you undertake) you are sure of success. I completely approve of the plan of the mail [3] but I think when it is once altered it would be better to let it remain[.] Mr McSwiney begs me to leave him a little space as he wishes to write you a few lines, therefore for the present believe me my dearest Ba

ever yours affectionately.

E M Barrett.–

[Continued by Mr. McSwiney]

My Dear Ba /

I was not a little astonished on reading your answer to Miss Trepsack’s letter to find that instead of eulogizing my recent Heroism yet should assimulate it to the most ordinary rencontre among ordinary men. Know then, Miss Sauce-box that nothing has happened of late years so deserving of Public approbation or that has approached more nearly to the feats of your beloved Antients if you will except the Scene of Action. Drury lane, I confess is not the most rythmical term, but as you look to things not names, you will I trust reconsider the subject & <give> my name its proper locality in the Temple of Fame.

Your’s eve<r affectionate>ly

Much underrated Hero—

Addressed and franked by EBB’s uncle on integral page: London. March nineteen. 1821 / Miss Barrett / Hope End / Ledbury / S M Barrett.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Eton College Library.

1. Apparently Bro is referring to one or more essays that EBB had submitted for publication using “Silentius” as her nom de plume. See letter 115.

2. Writer used two opening parentheses.

3. This is taken to refer to an agreement that while Bro was away from home he would write to EBB each Saturday, and she to him in mid-week. As later letters show, he was a more faithful correspondent than she was.

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