SD2163. Sarianna Browning to Joseph Milsand
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 349 (in part).
[Paris]
[late May 1858] [1]
<***> Such a quantity of nothings I shall have to tell you! You will be tempted to repeat some wise aphorism on the length of a woman’s tongue, but remember my tongue has a long rest whenever you are away.
Mrs Corkran’s good resolution has broken down– I have not heard from her. I imagine from her letter, which is not very clear, that they have taken the house as yearly tenants, and have hired or bought the furniture—she gives no particulars—merely says the terms are less advantageous.
I am glad that you have received the remittance from Dublin– Irish, Irish! Mr Buloz is enough to provoke a saint, but don’t let him provoke you,—it is his way,—and the way of all reviewers & publishers—every body is exposed to those delays. You must know very well that he really does value your articles, or why should he be so anxious to get them? Besides, that last one of yours was very attractive, as I happen to know from a great variety of sources, and he keeps the second as a sweet morsel for some number that may stand in need of it. I would give a great deal, dear Friend, if you could only see and judge yourself as clearly as others discern you—if you could estimate better the talents God has given you, and the use you can make of them– Do more justice to your own works– I so far take the side of Mr Buloz as to believe that he really is glad to publish you, though indecision & stupidity make him so wearisome to deal with. Don’t care a straw for him, & think of no one but yourself—if it suits you to use his review as a medium with the public, do so– You don’t mind my saying this to you? You will let me speak freely as an old friend? By the bye, what a head I have for forgetting! Miss Blackwell told me there was to be an article on the Doctor in the Revue Britainnique by a Mr Somebody—I think she said Ponchard or some such name. <***>
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.
1. Approximate dating suggested by letter 85806031 (3 June [1858]), in which Sarianna mentions Miss Blackwell and a notice by Mr. Ponsard, referred to here as Ponchard.
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