573. Mary Russell Mitford to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 252–253.
Three Mile Cross,
June 28, 1837.
My sweet Love,
I want you to write me a poem in illustration of a very charming group of Hindoo girls floating their lamps upon the Ganges—launching them, I should say. [1] You know that pretty superstition. I want a poem in stanzas. It must be long enough for two large pages, and may be as much longer as you choose. It is for “Finden’s Tableaux,” of which I have undertaken the editorship; and I must entreat it within a fortnight or three weeks if possible, because I am limited to time, and have only till the end of next month to send up the whole copy cut and dry. I do entreat you, my sweet young friend, not to refuse me this favour. I could not think of going to press without your assistance, and have chosen for you the very prettiest subject and, I think, the prettiest plate of the whole twelve. I am quite sure that, if you favour me with a poem, it will be the gem of the collection.
Now to less pretty considerations. My proprietor, Mr. Tilt, [2] has put into my hands £30; that is to say, £5 each for my six poets (I am to do all the prose and dramatic scenes myself); and with this £5, which is, I believe, the usual price, I shall have the honour of sending a copy of the work, which will be all the prettier and more valuable for your assistance. I will not contemplate a refusal, and have only to request that I may receive one line to tell me that you consent, as speedily as may be. If you like I will send you the engraving, or rather an unfinished proof of it in my possession.
Heaven bless you!
Ever yours,
M. R. Mitford.
If you can give me time and thought enough to write one of those ballad-stories, it would give an inexpressible grace and value to my volume. Depend upon it that the time will come when those verses of yours will have a money value.
Address: Miss Barrett, Gloucester Place.
Text: L’Estrange (2), III, 76–77.
1. In response to this request, EBB wrote “A Romance of the Ganges,” published in Findens’ Tableaux (1838), pp. 29–31. It was reprinted in The Seraphim. (See Reconstruction, D783.)
2. Charles Tilt, the publisher, who had asked Miss Mitford to assume the editorship of Findens’ Tableaux.
___________________
