2208.5. Ellen Heaton to Miss Walker

Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 25.

31. Park Square.

Leeds.

October 1.– [1858]

My dear Miss Walker

I enclose the Autographs of which I spoke [1] —& I should like to know whether the writing agrees,—or is in harmony,—with your idea of the writers.–

You may be perfectly certain that Mrs Browning is most willing to appreciate greatness, wherever it exists,—but there must be greatness to gain her admiration.– I cannot imagine the slightest ground for such a misrepresentation of her, except that her standard is so high, that small degrees of excellence, which lesser minds might think of highly, would seem poor to her.– She holds the office of a Poet in reverence, which makes her think it undesirable to publish mere verse.– But I do not know any one more willing,—or rather to whose nature it is more essential,—to delight in noble qualities and powers, of every kind. Being what she is, it is inevitable that she should do so.– And I do not believe that it would be possible to a small or jealous nature, to conceive the grand & majestic, & deep thoughts which are found in all she writes.– I think she has the intellect of an angel, & the heart of a child.– On such a subject, I might go on to any length,—& may as well stop here, as any where. Do not believe any thing unworthy of Mrs Browning,—be sure whatever you hear, that those who love her, would not desire to believe, cannot be true.–

Believe me

Yours very truly,

E. Heaton.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Preserved with this letter, on a slip of paper, are the poets’ signatures, dated 6 June 1858, Casa Guidi.

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