A Charm Which I Never Felt Before

A letter from Elizabeth Barrett to Robert Browning, 10 January 1845

Elizabeth Barrett was already a celebrated poet when Robert Browning first wrote to her. What followed was an extraordinary courtship carried out almost entirely through letters. For over a year, they exchanged hundreds of them - full of poetry, philosophy, longing, and the kind of vulnerability that only exists when two minds meet as equals.

This was the first letter Elizabeth ever sent Robert. It came in response to his bold declaration of admiration and love, written after reading her published work. In her reply, she is cautious but moved, grateful and self-protective, unable to conceal her interest. It is the start of one of literature’s most famous letter-based love stories, culminating in their eventual marriage and secret escape to Italy.

I thank you, dear Mr Browning, from the bottom of my heart. 

You meant to give me pleasure by your letter—and even if the object had not been answered, I ought still to thank you: but it is thoroughly answered.

Such a letter from such a hand!

You draw me on with a charm which I never felt before, yet you do not unkindly—you do not come near enough to be unkind. If you had blamed me instead of praising me, I should have known you were right. For I am not, in any sense, what you fancy me—only your letter does me too much good not to be answered.

Believe me, dear Mr Browning,

Yours very truly,

Elizabeth B. Barrett