[19 May 1846]. Browning, Elizabeth Barrett to Browning, Robert.

              Tuesday evening. 

Do you remember how, when poor Abou Hassan, in the Arabian story, awakens from sleep in the Sultan’s chamber, to the sound of instruments of music, & is presently complimented by the grand vizier on the royal wisdom displayed throughout his reign .. do you remember? Because just as he listened, do I listen, when you talk to me about “the course I have taken”.... I, who have just had the wit to sit still in my chair with my eyes half shut, & dream .. dream!- Ah, whether I am asleep or awake, what do I know .. even now?- As to the “course I have taken,” it has been somewhere among the stars .. or under the trees of the Hesperides, at lowest .....

Why how can I write to you such foolishness? Rather I should be serious, grave, & keep away from myths & images, & speak the truth plainly. And speaking the truth plainly,