1456. Richard Hengist Horne to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 8, 81–82.
[London]
| P.S. to some former note. | [11–12 December 1843] [1] |
My dear Miss Barrett, I prefer music to second and third rate poetry, which is the only poetry that passes current in society. If any one wishes to ascertain what I feel and think of the relative value of Poetry & Music they have only to “try me” on both. At the same time, it is best to avoid odious, because incompatible, comparisons. [2] I mostly judge of things by, and for, and in, themselves, as much as that is possible.
I am extremely fond of poetical music; and I also was glad to write “Orion”—and “something” more proud of having done it, than of playing upon any other musical instrument. Now?
What you tell me of Mr Reade’s remarks on you coming to your ears, excessively amuses me. I always thought the elements (of mutual antipathy) would at last bring you together with a jerk. Sometimes, by the same post, I have received a note from each of you, containing caustic touches at the other!
I believe Reade to be an amiable man, certainly accomplished in literary attainments, and with a very high feeling and aim in poetry—all of which I regard and respect. And, for thee, I think––in fact I am sure—that, whatever this critic or that, or this half friend or whole friend, may have said or thought, and whatever Mr Reade or any other untrue antipathy and gratuitous non-admirer of yours may feel, or fancy he feels––ah! you see, I have no room to conclude–
<You will not be sorry (for my sake as well as the work’s) that the Publishers no longer press me as to the time originally agreed upon. I shall need a month longer––you are aware it has grown to be necesssary to have 2 vols?> [3]
5 Fortess Terrace. K.T. [4]
Tuesday Morng m∙s. safe arrived.
Yes—a portrait of Tennyson. I will let you know if it be like him in his soul wh is too much to expect. Lawrence [sic] (a good man) paints him. [5]
By the way, what do you think of Monckton Milnes?
Address: Miss E. B. Barrett / 50 Wimpole St / Cavendish Sq.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
1. Inclusive dating provided by Horne and the 12 December postmark.
2. Cf. Donne, Elegies (1633), No. 8 (later titled “The Comparison”).
3. This paragraph was written on a separate scrap of paper; the remaining lines were written in the throat of the envelope.
4. As EBB had queried the spelling of the address in letter 1453, Horne has printed a large, bold “F.”
5. A New Spirit of the Age included a portrait of Tennyson (reproduced facing p. 271) by Samuel Laurence (1812–84), who later (1869) painted RB.
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