It is one of the beatitudes of art, and attainable without putting off the flesh.
To be plain, and not mystical, it is obvious that if I had expected compliments and caresses from the English press to my 'Poems before Congress,' the said poems would have been little deserved in England, and a greater mistake on my part than any committed by the 'Athenaeum,' which is saying much.
There! I have done.

The spark is under my shoe.

If in 'losing my temper' I have 'lost my music,' don't let it be said that I have lost my friend by my own fault and choice also.
For I would not willingly lose him, though he should be unjust to me thrice, instead of this once throughout our intercourse.

Affectionately yours, dear Mr.Chorley, ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING.
* * * * * _To Mr.Chorley_ 28 Via del Tritone, Rome: May 2, [1860].
My dear Mr.Chorley,--I make haste to answer your letter, and beg you to do the like in putting out of your life the least touch of pain or bitterness connected with me.

It is true, true, true, that some of my earliest gladness in literary sympathy and recognition came from you.