812. EBB to Richard Hengist Horne

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 5, 42–43.

Torquay.

May 6th 1841

I do not write to teaze you, dear Mr Horne, indeed. But it is so very long since I heard from you, & appears so strangely long, that I do write to enquire.

As to the ‘Drama,’ my questions wont turn their faces that way—although—by the way .. if it ever is completed by these degrees, you will have to take into partnership some successive generations of such as I am. But I dont ask about that, nor—pour le coup [1] —think I am wondering why you make no sign—& exercising my architectural genius for building Bastilles in the air, [2] —& running the risk of standing confessed an intruder, a teazer, an impertinent, in one– Did I say anything wrong, anything it was possible to be wrathful at, when I wrote last? If I did, it was my blind fate writing in me—but I dont remember–

Truly yours

Elizabeth B Barrett.

Publication: EBB-RHH, II, 66–70 (in part).

Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.

1. “This time; for once.”

2. A reversal of “castles in the air,” to give the meaning of a dark fantasy rather than a bright one.

___________________