SD1619. Mary Russell Mitford to Francis Bennoch

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 18, 375 (in part).

[Swallowfield]

[12 November 1852]

… Then your power of retouching is what belongs only to the greatest Poets—Mrs Browning never knew her good from her bad—(& certainly few have written bits so noble or other bits so worthless). She would work at a piece for two days & turn it out a thousand times worse than it was when she began, so that at last Mr Kenyon & I agreed to let her alone– Partly this was want of ear, partly a clinging to her beloved mistress– They say that her husband is just the same—that he prolongs things until all the spirit is gone– …

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Reading Central Library.

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