1354. Thomas Westwood to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 7, 283.
Chase Side
Augt 12th [1843] [1]
It was most kind of you, dear Miss Barrett, to send us the book. We will take all possible care of it & return it very soon. I can not tell you how much I like the “Legend” for I have not yet read it having promised (praise my heroism!) to refrain from doing so, till we could all participate in the pleasure. The Poem in Blackwood too, which we have just discovered is another treat in store. [2] I do not like your sending poetry to America– We cannot spare a single verse: & I am sure they will not appreciate you better than your poor readers at home.
Were you not much pleased with Tennyson? There are fine things in that second volume, the “Mort d’Arthur[”] especially, & “Dora’[’] & the “Lord of Burleigh,” [3] & yet there seems to be something wanting in him. I cannot make his books pocket companions, though they are refreshing to read in these days of rapid common-place.
Pray excuse my gossip dear Miss Barrett, It is not my fault that it is so needful of excuse. With all our best good wishes for the restoration of your health, I remain,
Very truly yours
T. Westwood
Address: Miss E. B. Barrett / 50 Wimpole St. / London.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Year provided by the postmark.
2. “The Cry of the Children.”
3. These were all included in Poems (1842).
___________________
