1642. Richard Hengist Horne to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 9, 36–37.
[London]
Friday [Postmark: 28 June 1844]
I shall be glad of the mottoes, dear Miss Barrett as soon as possible—if they occur readily—if not, do not trouble yourself to seek.
Only to think of your performing the part of Captain Cook to a dramatic “circle.”
Your defence of your own theory and practice in rhymes is allowable and good. Only when anybody attempts to show that “dawn” does not rhyme to “morn”—there ends all the possible chances of mutual understanding of ears,—so far, and more. I once heard a man try to show this difference and disparity viva-voce—and he was obliged to call morn, “mouªrn”, but dawn “dorn” because there is no other sound for the word except by a provincial, an Irish or Scotch accent—as darn.
Never mind these things. I do not. And I do justify you even (and in preference) in making “islands” rhyme with “silence” upon the theory of Spanish poetry. Whereby you may make the rhyme fall upon the first syllable, instead of the last—as sī-lĕnce and īs-lănds. [1] Now, shall we do? Are we agreed, at last? If not, let me know what further you desire, and I will endeavour to accommodate myself.
The minor poems of Camoens [2] I do not possess. I am sorry.
Oh—would you not like a peep at my ‘Reply’ in proof? [3] Safely have I trusted you all along—and will to the last.
Yours truly
H.
Address: Miss E. B. Barrett / 50 Wimpole St / Cavendish Sqre.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
1. See letter 1635 for an earlier reference to this forced rhyme.
2. We are unable to clarify this reference to the “minor poems” of Luis de Camõens (1524–80), famous Portuguese poet, best known for The Lusiad (1572), which was first published in English in 1655.
3. In EBB’s response to this letter (not extant), she answered that she would like to see Horne’s “Reply”; however, he evidently forgot, or changed his mind, because he never sent it to her (see letter 1752).
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