SD1163. Mary Russell Mitford to Henrietta Harrison
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 5, 379 (in part).
[Three Mile Cross]
(About) Dec. 1841
I thank you heartily, my dear young friend, for your charming letter and the verses, which I return. First, let me say, that the intelligence of your good health, and of your sister’s convalescence, gave me more than ordinary pleasure. I have lost so many friends lately—so many lovely young women and promising youths have gone off by that English pestilence, consumption, that what you tell me is really a relief. Above all I rejoice in the English and healthy tone of your letter, and of the poems that you enclosed. I remember being struck, two years ago, with your corrections, they were all such essential improvements; whereas the various readings of nine-tenths of your young lady versifiers are mere alterations, neither better nor worse; showing nothing but a fidgety instability of character, and a total want of purpose. I have marked two or three words that should be altered—or rather phrases—because you can do so very well; that you should always do your best, correct again and again; write as slowly as you can—(not to lose ideas by mere dawdling)—and be very particular in diction and versification. The introduction to the Tales is very charming, and the plan seems to me remarkably felicitous; my only doubt is whether alternative rhymes will not weary the ear in a long poem; you may suffer the introduction to remain, but I should earnestly advise you to write the tales in the old heroic couplet—the measure of Pope and Dryden—and, let me add, of Crabbe. Another very fine sample of the ten syllable couplet is the “Three State Trials,” by Moile [1] (a fictitious name),—I cannot find out who wrote that striking book,—and, with all its faults, the story, “Rimini,” by Leigh Hunt.– Do read the “Three State Trials,” there are passages of exquisite rythmical [sic] beauty. Indeed, for finish, and melody of versification, there is nothing approaching to Miss Barrett in this day, or in any other—also for diction. Her words paint.
I am very desirous that you should choose the most favourable medium of versification for your tales. Make the story, too, as pleasing as possible; generosity, gratitude, nobleness, happiness, form a truer and finer source of tears than the common one of sorrow. Compare, for instance, the fine conclusion of the “Lady of the Lake,” with the equally fine conclusion of “Gertrude of Wyoming,” and you will feel at once to which poem we return. Mr. Robinson (A. Crabb Robinson) says that Mr. Wordsworth will, probably, gain about eight pounds by the present monthly edition of his works, published by Moxon. I don’t mention this with reference to the money, which I know you would disregard, but simply to show how very poor the sale must be, even of the most fashionable poet; for you know, of course, that Wordsworth is now at the height of fashion as a poet, though I question if many people read him. He is a great name, like Milton! Mr. Milnes (certainly a sweeter poet, one who sits next to Moore) is only known by contributions to different Annuals, and extracts from books printed for private distribution; if his poems were published, they would remain upon the bookseller’s shelves.
Text: Chorley, I, 283–285.
1. The secret well kept to this day.
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