2452. EBB to William Bell Scott

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 13, 105.

50 Wimpole Street–

Wednesday– [1 July 1846]

Will you allow me, Sir, [1] to thank you for a book which bears your name as the writer & the giver of it? I just receive & gratefully receive it I would fain have you believe,—and though unable, of course, at this early moment to speak of the contents, I see, at a glance, that you have shunned the reproach which has been cast on the poets of our time, of taking too small a canvass, & of being sketchy & unconnected– That your industry may bring you a very pleasurable sense of success, is the wish very sincerely

of your obliged servant

Elizabeth Barrett Barrett.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. From the context, and from EBB’s comment in letter 2444 (see note 9), the correspondent is identified as William Bell Scott. EBB is thanking him for a presentation copy of The Year of the World (1846); see Reconstruction, A2053.

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