Autograph letter : [London], to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, [1843 December 11].

Offering his opinions on music and poetry and commenting on Reade's poetry and Reade's criticism of her poetry; saying "I prefer music to second and third rate poetry, which is the only poetry that passes current in society. If any one wishes to ascertain what I feel and think of the relative value of Poetry & Music they have only to 'try me' on both. At the same time, it is best to avoid odious, because incompatible, comparisons. I mostly judge of things by, and for, and in, themselves, as much as this is possible;" adding " What you tell me of Mr. Reade's remarks on you coming to your ears, excessively amuses me. I always thought the elements (of mutual antipathy) would at last bring you together with a jerk. Sometimes, by the same post, I have received a note from each of you, containing caustic touches at the other! I believe Reade to be an amiable man, certainly accomplished in literary attainments, and with a very high feeling and aim in poetry - all of which I regard and respect. And, for thee, I think -- in fact I am sure -- that, what ever this critic or that, or this half friend or whole friend, may have said or thought, and whatever Mr. Reade or any other untrue antipathy and gratuitous non-admirer of yours may feel or fancy he feels - oh! you see I have no room to conclude;" adding, on a separate slip of paper which he has enclosed with the letter, that the Publisher has granted him an extension for his book; adding, in a postscript written on the inside of the envelope flap, dated 5 Fortress Terrace, K.T., Tuesday morn'g and saying "M.S. safe arrived. Yes - a portrait of Tennyson. I will let you know if it be like him in his soul w'h is too much to expect. Lawrence [sic] (a good man) paints him. By the way, what do you think of Monckton Milnes?"