1664.7. John Kenyon to EBB

Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 9.

[London]

Saturday [August 1844]

Dear Cousin

I find few remarks to make on the conclusion—except that on first reading I did not like it as well as the former parts—but on re-reading I am more disposed not to vituperate it–

p. 51. Stanza 5—

The laugh flew from its own chirrup—I suppose we must grant you this for the sake of the pretty illustration—and so of the “As deep down as a bee had picked”—for the same reason—albeit neither are clear at the first instant–

p. 58. This for my rank is, among her—

—This is a little stiff—but should not the comma also be put out? before “among her.[”]

p. 52. “Calls in the palms”

Does not the “calls in” imply a previous going out?

—Would “calls for the palms do.”

But it ought rather to be Calls for palms—not the palms–

p. 56 & 59 My poet—this My from a child and a Son has a touch of familiarity (more than of affection) in it—which I do not quite like.

The Duchess of May promises well. Nor do I at all—for myself—dislike the arrangement of the lines—

I have kept your proof a few hours longer than usual, for nothing could be done with it at the printing office—this Saturday afternoon–

Yours affy always

J. Kenyon

Address: Miss Barrett.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

___________________