1699. EBB to Henry Fothergill Chorley
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 9, 115–116.
50 Wimpole Street
Monday. [26 August 1844] [1]
Dear Mr Chorley
Kindnesses are more frequent things with me than gladnesses,—but I thank you earnestly for both, in the letter I have this moment received. [2] You have given me a quick sudden pleasure which goes deeper (I am very sure) than selflove,—for it must be something better than vanity that brings the tears so near the eyes. I thank you, dear Mr Chorley.
After all we are not quite strangers. I have had some early encouragement & direction from you,—& much still earlier (& later) literary pleasures from such of your writings as did not refer to me. I have studied ‘Music & Manners’ [3] under you, & found an excuse for my love of romance-reading from your graceful fancy. Then, as dear Miss Mitford’s friend, you cd not help being (however against your will!) a little my acquaintance,—& this, she daringly promised to make you in reality some day, till I took the fervour for prophesy.
Altogether I am justified, while I thank you as a stranger, to say one more word as a friend—and that shall be the best word, .. ‘May God bless you!’ The trials with which He tries us all are different, but our faces may be turned towards the end in cheerfulness, for ‘to the end He has loved us.’ [4]
I remain
very faithfully your obliged
Elizabeth B Barrett.
You may trust me with the secret of your kindness to me. It shall not go farther. [5]
Publication: LEBB, I, 191–192 (as ca. late August 1844).
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Dated by EBB’s reference, in letter 1705, to having received a letter “from a professional critic [i.e., Chorley].” The previous Monday was the 26th.
2. For EBB’s account of Chorley’s comments, see letter 1711.
3. Chorley’s Music and Manners in France and Germany was published in 1841. EBB had spoken of the book in letter 826.
4. Cf. John 13:1.
5. EBB did mention Chorley’s letter, without revealing its authorship, in a letter to Boyd (no. 1705) and one to Mrs. Martin (no. 1711). In letter 1747, she congratulated herself for remaining silent on this score until Kenyon indicated that he knew of Chorley’s having written.
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