Correspondence

3822.  EBB & RB to William Wetmore Story

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 12-13.

Monday morning. [Postmark: 21 July 1856]

My dear Story,

I have just read your poems [1] with real delight,—&, if I added,—surprise, it would mean nothing very wrong,—only that one could not have expected you to do so much in a different way from that of your earlier book. [2] It is full of music & pictures, & instances of that very objectiveness: which I remember you told me in Rome you doubted your possession of: don’t doubt any more, but go to work, or rather (I congratulate you) go on working. When I say I have read the book, I intend the simple reading that takes account of the extent of what is there: I shall go into it again & inform myself more particularly: meantime I am quite sure of a great deal being very good indeed—ought I to specify—(in justice to the others)—“In St Peter’s,” “The Beggar,” “Castello” [3] (admirable) “The English Language,” “Couplets”? certain of the minor poems will touch every stranger, much more myself who remember those old days– [4] To bring up, & end with blame, as a critic should,—you might, I think, by one or two touches have made,—& still may make,—“The Three Singers” into quite a beautiful thing, as indeed the conception of it is already: a touch to insist a little more on what, I know, you indicate,—that the young singer was expected to celebrate youth,—whereas all his envy went on to Age—& another to show the old singer in like manner expected to glorify the advantages of age, while contrariwise he recurs regretfully to those of youth,—and so the startling praise of the present from the cripple would come out with its highest advantage. This is all there already, I repeat,—but I fancy you might make freer way for the light from the heart of the poem, & show it for a little jewel, by a deepened cut or two with those side-facettes. Only, don’t spoil it.

I write this, turning from the book, with the first impression warm. My wife is out, and I won’t do her the injustice of speaking for her: but she had gone before me and told me what I should find,—& will tell you the same with the same pleasure, I am sure– How do you like Windsor? [5] With love to all, dear Story,

ever faithfully yours,

R Browning.

[Continued by EBB]

I have just come in, my dear Mr Story, to sympathize with Robert in the praise of a friend, (how pleasant!) & to give you, together with his, my true & affectionate thanks.

EBB–

Address, in RB’s hand: William W. Story Esq. / White Hart Hotel, / Windsor.

Publication: BAF, pp. 37–39.

Manuscript: University of Texas.

1. Poems (Boston, 1856), a copy of which, bearing RB’s signature and presumably from Story, is now at the Berg (see Reconstruction, A2216).

2. Poems (Boston, 1847). Story had presented a copy to the Brownings in 1849 (see letter 2772).

3. i.e., “The Marchese Castello Gives His Views on Italy.” The other titles listed by RB are as they occur in the volume.

4. Three of the minor poems, “To J.S.,” “Sonnet,” and “Dirge,” allude to the death of the Storys’ six-year-old son, Joe, which occurred on 23 November 1853 at Rome with RB in attendance (see letter 3292).

5. The Storys were staying at the White Hart Hotel, Windsor. They had arrived in Liverpool from Boston on 13 July 1856 (see letter 3800, note 6).

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