1400. EBB to Richard Hengist Horne
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 7, 368.
[London]
Oct. 13. 1843.
I have forwarded the letter to Miss Martineau my dear Mr Horne,—but I do not correspond with her– I have only had some correspondence. She suffers I fear too severely, to permit much writing of any kind.
I sent her your letter. And now I send you her direction lest you may have further need of it. It is Tynemouth, Northumberland—that will find her.
I have not repented—and your book is better, be sure, as it is, for very obvious reasons—for supposing you to illustrate with as many as twelve heads, still mine has no claim to be one of them. Tarquin knocked off the tallest poppey heads you know, [1] .. & so must you. Do tell me whether you have succeeded with Macauley—and with Tennyson—and Browning. Miss Mitford sent me your printed notice [2] & told me (not as a complaint, mind!) that you had made no sort of application to her. I cannot imagine for a half moment that you mean to omit her,—first as she is in her particular class, and a favorite, without favoritism, of the public—your work will be incomplete, if you do. [3]
Which is my last impertinence for today.
It will do, you think, for three months.
By the way, .. you have given up Mrs Orme, & Mrs Orme has given up me– I have not seen her for a long time.
Ever truly yours, in the dark–
EBB.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Huntington Library.
2. Doubtless a copy of the broadside included by Horne in letter 1392.
3. Despite EBB’s comment, Horne elected not to include Miss Mitford among those discussed in A New Spirit of the Age.
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