1450.5. John Kenyon to EBB

Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 8.

[London]

[December 1843]

Dear Cousin

It has been quite impossible for me tho’ wishing it to call and see dear Miss Mitford– Every half hour of my day has been mapped out– Till three with my sister in law seeing folk go to court in fine carriages—then an appointment at home—till five—then two friends to dine—then the Botanic Garden with them—and tea at my brothers and the illuminations at night.

I have been wishing it—but could not find ten minutes—all day long.

I return you a few hasty remarks–

Frankly—dear E.B.B.—I do not make out—or very imperfectly—the Lyric—and do not like it as I like the rest of the poem– But no more of that—I have no doubt that many readers may positively like it for the things which least please me–

p. 66. last line—“Trampling hoofs[”]—do you approve the word “hoofs” as applied to Spirits—and Angelic ones?

p. 69. l. 29. Curse—mate—not mete.

p. 69. l. 14—Stroking straight our dry mild eye lids &c—As death had not yet come into the world—how would we be aware of these last pious offices?

p. 71. last line—Thereby for sound & to get rid of the jostling ss. I shd have preferred—“brutes.”

73 l. 1. Oh! one cry! I do not quite make out to what the interjection points– Is it meant to express “I could give one cry[”]—or how?

p. 75. l. 1. “Made theirs” I know I am as stupid as an owl—but after many readings—some aloud—I cannot what “theirs” relates to–

p. 76—last line but three—have not they put n—for u—in tusk?

page 80 l. 12 Are Alp & torrent the nominatives to fill?

—Neither do I love the rythm [sic] of this lyric– But I know I am dull today—Most affly

Yours always

J. Kenyon

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

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