SD1247. John Kenyon to Anna Brownell Jameson

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 12, 370–371 (in part).

40. York Terrace

March 1: 1846.

Dear Mrs Jameson

Why can’t one combine impossible things? Be in six places at once? Combine the variety of a party of a dozen agreeable friends with the confidential pleasures of a tête à tête. Then—I should not have to regret that I did not see more of you last Wednesday, as I do.–

I send the Troubadours—and my and your Troubadour, R. Browning, and Hood–

Do read that Pictor Ignotus—because you have personal tastes to make you doubly enjoy it—and that Saul—All of it—above all the Song of David– More than the Shield of Achilles, lyrically sculptured—and be delighted with the Rhythms– You will see how RB has indulged his fanciful ingenuity in all sorts of rhymes—never I think, impeding the effect—for they have always a curious facility about them—and in that familiar rude lyric—the flight of the Duchess—adding I think—much to it–

Always truly yours

John Kenyon

As I take up the Saul again and again I think how Hebrew it is—and then what pictures—Saul in the tent– Beautiful David! with the lilies round his harp strings—and then the repose—after “agonized Saul”—to Then I tuned my harp—took off the lilies &c– If RB be not “a poet” where is there one–?

Pray retain Browning as your own– I shall be glad to have the Hoods back on the 9th

Address: Mrs Jameson.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

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