2597. RB to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 13, 356–357.
[London]
1. p.m. Saturday. [Postmark: 12 September 1846]
You will only expect a few words—what will those be? When the heart is full it may run over, but the real fulness stays within– [1]
You asked me yesterday “if I should repent”? Yes—my own Ba,—I could wish all the past were to do over again, that in it I might somewhat more,—never so little more, conform in the outward homage to the inward feeling: what I have professed .. (for I have performed nothing—) seems to fall short of what my first love required even—and when I think of this moment’s love .. I could repent, as I say.
Words can never tell you, however,—form them, transform them anyway,—how perfectly dear you are to me—perfectly dear to my heart and soul–
I look back, and in every one point, every word and gesture, every letter, every silence—you have been entirely perfect to me—I would not change one word, one look–
My hope and aim are to preserve this love, not to fall from it—for which I trust to God who procured it for me, and doubtlessly can preserve it.
Enough now, my dearest, dearest, own Ba! You have given me the highest, completest proof of love that ever one human being gave another. I am all gratitude—and all pride, (under the proper feeling which ascribes pride to the right source—) all pride that my life has been so crowned by you.
God bless you prays your very own
RB
I will write to-morrow of course. Take every care of my life which is in that dearest little hand; try and be composed, my beloved.
Remember to thank Wilson for me.
Address: Miss Barrett, / 50. Wimpole Street.
Postmark: 8NT8 SP12 1846.
Publication: RB-EBB, pp. 1062–63.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
1. This letter was written immediately following the Brownings’ marriage, which was solemnized in a private ceremony at St. Marylebone Church by the Curate, Rev. Thomas Woods Goldhawk on 12 September 1846. EBB’s maid, Elizabeth Wilson, and RB’s cousin, James Silverthorne, were witnesses.
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