Harriet Martineau to Elizabeth Barrett, 16 October 1843: 'Lady M. Lambton discharged her commission punctually, bringing me your precious volume before 1st of Sepr. Then I wished to read & study it before writing; & then came such a succession of visitors [...] that I have had to [...] put off all letters to a quieter time [...] here is a quiet morning, & I use its strength to thank you. 'I find noble & beautiful thoughts & lines in the Seraphim, & shall ever be glad that I have seen it. But I own to you that I turn with a stronger desire & pleasure to the minor poems, some of which really transport me [...] It is because some of the minor poems are riper, more complete & self-contained, & therefore simpler in expression [...] that I prefer them.'