3953. RB to Edward Chapman
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 193–194.
Florence,
Jan. 5. ’57.
Dear Chapman,
I duly received your note of the 1st Nov.—and you, no doubt, in the mean time were in possession of mine—so there was nothing more to say about the reprint of the Poem: [1] I perceive at last that it is announced as “nearly ready”—that’s well. [2] I expected more reviews in the monthly magazines—they will follow, I suppose.
Do please let me have our account at the earliest possible moment. I shall be much poorer this year than last (Dear Mr Kenyon’s generosity won’t be available for twelve months)[.] [3] You have never told me a word about the new edition of EBB’s Poems,—whether it was subscribed for, how it sells, and the like: so, I repeat,—the account, do please!
We have had a sad Christmas time
<…> [4]
or indeed existence so far as we are concerned. Ruskin wrote at once—“I think “A.L.” the greatest poem in the English language: unsurpassed by anything but Shakespeare,—not surpassed by Shakespeare’s Sonnets—& therefore the greatest poem in the language. I write this, you see, very deliberately, straight, or nearly so, which is not common with me, for I am taking pains that you may not think, (nor anybody else) that I am writing in a state of excitement!” [5] —& so on. Yesterday, I had another letter “declaring my entire faith in it as the greatest poem in the English Language—it has turned my head altogether and I can’t talk of anything else”—and so on, again. [6] I quote such passages from such a man, to show that I do feel touched & grateful when a man speaks—and do not suppose all critics to be wretched organ-grinding Ayto[u]n and his like.
<…>
The American Publisher sent his second instalment like a man, [7] and added that he and his select circle of friends had their own opinion that the poem was “a gospel,”—only that: which was the more meritoriously observed, inasmuch as he had not been able, even if so disposed, to take his cue from the English notices.
My wife begs you to have the goodness to pack up five copies of Aurora Leigh, and One of E.B.B’s Poems, and one of “Men & Women”—and send them to us, viâ Leghorn, by the Liverpool Steamer, paying whatever is to pay, and setting the same down to our account. Our address should be given–
Casa Guidi,
1902 Via Maggio, Florence.
Publication: NL, pp. 99–100.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
2. In The National Review of January 1857, Chapman and Hall’s advertisement for Aurora Leigh announced the “Second Edition, nearly ready” (p. 9).
3. Evidently, John Kenyon’s executors, Robert Hawthorn and James Booth, had a year to settle claims against the estate and to fulfill bequests listed in the will. By 2 June 1857, however, the Brownings had received the £10,500 Kenyon left to them, as indicated in a letter of that date from EBB to Henrietta (ms at Camellia).
4. Part of the manuscript has been excised, including the signature, resulting in loss of text here and below.
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