Book contents
- Frontmatter
- CONTENTS
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- 1 Hannah More and David Garrick: Patronage and Friendship
- 2 A Middling-Class Poet-Maker: Hannah More and Ann Yearsley
- 3 Patronage, Gratitude and Friendship, 1785–90
- 4 ‘Such is Bristol's Soul’: Patronage and Rivalry
- 5 Novel Writing and the French Revolution
- 6 Romantic Bristol: Creative Networks in the 1790s
- 7 Afterword
- Notes
- Works Cited
- Index
4 - ‘Such is Bristol's Soul’: Patronage and Rivalry
- Frontmatter
- CONTENTS
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- 1 Hannah More and David Garrick: Patronage and Friendship
- 2 A Middling-Class Poet-Maker: Hannah More and Ann Yearsley
- 3 Patronage, Gratitude and Friendship, 1785–90
- 4 ‘Such is Bristol's Soul’: Patronage and Rivalry
- 5 Novel Writing and the French Revolution
- 6 Romantic Bristol: Creative Networks in the 1790s
- 7 Afterword
- Notes
- Works Cited
- Index
Summary
Despite the acrimonious failure of her patronage of Yearsley, More did not relinquish all interest in her former protégée. In the years following the end of their partnership, both women kept a watchful eye on the life and career of the other, despite their individual successes. More's letters in particular offer intriguing insights into her continued connection with Yearsley, and demonstrate the impact of the failure of the patronage relationship. In 1785, More wrote mournfully to Elizabeth Carter:
It seems Mrs. Montagu has given you a little sketch of our milkwoman's history; if she had not, I believe I should have spared you the vexation of knowing that your generous exertions and kind liberality have met with so cruel a return. I grieve most for poor fallen human nature; for, as to my own particular part, I am persuaded Providence intends me good by it. Had she turned out well I should have had my reward; as it is, I have my trial. Perhaps I was too vain of my success; and, in counting over the money (almost £500), might be elated, and think – ‘Is not this great Babylon that I have built?’
Prosperity is a great trial, and she could not stand it. I was afraid it would turn her head, but I did not expect it would harden her heart. I contrive to take the same care of her pecuniary interests, and am bringing out a second edition of her poems.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Ann Yearsley and Hannah More, Patronage and PoetryThe Story of a Literary Relationship, pp. 81 - 98Publisher: Pickering & ChattoFirst published in: 2014