Sincerely and thankfully yours,
ELIZABETH B. BARRETT.
(Endorsed in another hand)
E.B. Barrett, London, received May 12, 1843,
4 poems, previously furnished to Graham's Magazine, $50.
To John Kenyan
May 1, 1843
My dear Cousin,—Here is my copyright for you, and you will see that I have put 'word' instead of 'sound,' as certainly the proper 'word.' Do let me thank you once more for all the trouble and interest you have taken with me and in me. Observe besides that I have altered the title according to your unconscious suggestion, and made it 'The Dead Pan,' which is a far better name, I think, than the repetition of the refrain.
But I spoil my exemplary docility so far, by confessing that I don't like 'scornful children' half—no, not half so well as my 'railing children,' although, to be sure, you proved to me that the last was nigh upon nonsense. You proved it—that is, you almost proved it, for don't we say—at least, mightn't we say—'the thunder was silent'? 'thunder' involving the idea of noise, as much as 'railing children' do. Consider this—I give it up to you.[[76]]
I am ashamed to have kept Carlyle so long, but I quite failed in trying to read him at my "usual pace—he won't be read quick. After all, and full of beauty and truth as that book is, and strongly as it takes hold of my sympathies, there is nothing new in it—not even a new Carlyleism, which I do not say by way of blaming the book, because the author of it might use words like the apostle's: 'To write the same things unto you, to me indeed is not grievous, and to you it is safe.' The world being blind and deaf and rather stupid, requires a reiteration of certain uncongenial truths....
Thank you for the address.
Ever affectionately yours,
E.B.B.
I observe that the most questionable rhymes are not objected to by Mr. Merivale; also—but this letter is too long already.
To Mrs. Martin