1486. Richard Hengist Horne to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 8, 133–134.
[London]
Tuesday [Postmark: 2 January 1844]
Well, at all events I’m glad you are not ill. I don’t reproach you for not having been ill. In fact, the ‘relief’ on that score rather indisposes me to be vigorous on the other. But, only see the compound perversity of things! For, tho’ I got your note yesterday early [1] —the m∙s∙s and the proofs did not arrive till to-day! Still, the perverse ‘spirit’ was defeated after all, and the trouble was not serious, because another adverse spirit—(a spirit averse to work, I mean) was interposed, in the shape of Christmas merriment among the printers. So we will say no more of the matter—and I forgive your maid.
Thanks for the remark about the satyrists &c O, mentor! You are right—it shall be looked to. I was the oblivious offender. You see, none of these proofs are worked off—all going at once through my head—and every man seems to have written twice as many works as one knew of before—just to confound me with labours interminable. I clean forgot all Rome. I thought to shorten the article (I suppose) by leaping from the pate of Aristophanes right on to the three heads of the article in question: [2] No—Jerrold is not over-praised. He is quite equal (tho’ different) to either of the others. But more shall be done for Fonblanque, as you advise.
I am greatly interested in the sketch you give of your new poem [3] —the exiles from Eden. I will tell you what I think of the subject and design, when you have told me what you think of Carlyle. Ahem! “We must be patient.” [4] But no hurry—nor any hurry for your proof or m∙s of poem (till I ask for them) and a merry Christmas to you, and a happy New Year.
Yours truly
R.H.H
P.S. You shall see more proofs soon. And you shall not be teased for any more opinions of anybody—unless, I really, know no one whom I think can tell me what I want so well as you, and then you know, “my duty to the public” would compell me to &c [5]
P.S. This work will not mention everybody by a long way (Science and history, and Politics, are omitted) nor “all the ladies.” Still, I am glad to have all you tell me of them. Who is Ellen Pickering?
Address: Miss E. B. Barrett / 50 Wimpole St / Cavendish Sq.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
2. The sense of these two sentences is not clear.
3. “A Drama of Exile,” an outline of which EBB gave Horne in letter 1475.
4. Hamlet, IV, 5, 68.
5. Horne finishes the thought with scribbles.
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