2085. RB to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 11, 152–153.
[London]
[Postmark: 6 November 1845]
Just arrived! .. (mind, the silent writing overflows the page, and laughs at the black words for Mr Kenyon to read!) [1] —But your note arrived earlier—more of that, when I write after this dreadful dispatching-business that falls on me—friend A, & B. & C—must get their copy, and word of regard, all by next post!–
Could you think that that untoward letter lived one moment after it returned to me? [2] I burned it and cried “serve it right”! Poor letter!—yet I should have been vexed & offended then to be told I could love you better than I did already! “Live and learn!” Live and love you––dearest, as
loves you RB.
You will write to reassure me about Saturday, if not for other reasons. See your corrections .. and understand that in the one or two instances in which they would seem not to be adopted, they are so, by some modification of the previous, or following line .. as in one of the Sorrento lines .. about a “turret” [3] —see! (Can you give me Horne’s address—I would send there) [4]
Address, on cover sheet: Miss Barrett. / 50 Wimpole St [5]
Postmark: 8NT8 NO6 1845 B.
Docket, in EBB’s hand: 72.
Publication: RB-EBB, pp. 258–259.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
1. RB refers to the inscription to Kenyon in Dramatic Romances and Lyrics, which was published on this day (for the text, see letter 2069, note 3). RB is presenting a copy to EBB.
2. See the preceding letter.
3. In “England in Italy,” line 219. For the comment that prompted RB’s “modification,” see Appendix IV, p. 392.
4. EBB gives Horne’s address at the end of the following letter; it is one of several addresses for Horne recorded in RB’s address book (see vol. 9, p. 391).
5. The postmark and address appear on a large cover sheet in which Dramatic Romances and Lyrics and this letter were wrapped. Also enclosed was an envelope addressed “Miss Barrett” to which EBB added her docket.
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