Christina Rossetti was an English poet best known for her romantic, devotional, and children’s poems. Under the pen-name “Ellen Alleyne,” Rossetti contributed to the short-lived literary magazine The Germ, published from January to April 1850 and edited by her brother William.
Christina Rossetti to William Michael Rossetti
31st January 1850.
Longleat.
My dear William,
I might have answered your note yesterday, but stayed in bed all day with the effects of a blister. Today I am alive again, all peculiarities of costume being buried beneath a scarf and shawl.
Enclosed is your prospectus with many thanks; and sincere regrets that Lady Bath has proved altogether impracticable [as patron of The Germ]. My noble hostess is unacquainted with the poet Heraud, and does not seem anxious to remedy this defect in her moral being. Lester’s Criticism is indeed grand. Do you like Mr Heraud? and whom did you meet at his house? Regarding Aunt Charlotte and her debt, she wishes me to say that the amount shall be transmitted to you by me on my return. You cannot deprecate more earnestly than myself Mr Jervis’ verses [submitted to The Germ]; “on no terms admit them” is my uncompromising vote. When will your [poem] Plain Story come out? For the credit of the Magazine let it appear soon; who will illustrate it? Do you think it particularly judicious to bring out one of the only two things of mine which had appeared in the Athenæum? I have doubts as to this. My nom de guerre is worthy of Gabriel.
Louisa King does not lose much by the non-arrival of my note. I am rather sorry none of that family seem to know of the Germ for I fancy they might prove useful. Could not Lyster be induced to introduce the subject? Perhaps though, you may by incautious zeal draw down on your editorial head an undesirable St John. Have Alexander Selkirk’s last dying words yet been offered to your acceptance? [Selkirk: the origin of Robinson Crusoe.] Do you know, I seriously urge on your consideration the increase of prose and decrease of poetry in the Germ, the present state of things strikes me as most alarming. Should all other articles fail, boldly publish my letters; they would doubtless produce an immense sensation. By hinting that I occupy a high situation in B-ck-m P-l-e, being in fact no other than the celebrated Lady—-, and by substituting initials and asterisks for all names, and adding a few titles, my correspondence might have quite a success. I cannot flatter myself the Potters will prove of our buying public. I suppose some one at home will write to Mr Jervis, as my poor letter cannot do with two Nos. Yesterday Sarah Garrett, a poor woman in the village, sent a nice piece of home-made bread for the “young Miss”. She is a very hospitable old lady, being in extreme poverty. I count on your gratitude for this my solitary piece of news.
I hardly expect to leave Longleat before Tuesday, Aunt Charlotte having a fancy for my completing a month here. Mind you retain a Germ for me, ready to greet my return; you know, I intend being on this occasion one of your buying public.
With love to all I love, I remain
Your Affect. sister,
Christina G. Rossetti.
Have you ever read Goldsmith’s Deserted Village and Traveller? there is much beauty in both. Lady Bath was my initiator into their unexplored mysteries. I had a very nice letter from Maria this morning, and hope to answer her very soon.
For more of Christina Rossetti’s letters, click here.