2011. EBB to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 11, 50.

[London]

Friday Evng. [29 August 1845] [1]

I do not hear,—& come to you to ask the alms of just one line, having taken it into my head that something is the matter– It is not so much exactingness on my part, as that you spoke of meaning to write as soon as you received a note of mine .. which went to you five minutes afterwards .. which is three days ago, or will be when you read this. Are you not well—or what? Though I have tried & wished to remember having written in the last note something very or even a little offensive to you, I fail in it & go back to the worse fear. For you could not be vexed with me for talking of what was “your fault” .. “your own fault” viz: in having to read sentences which, but for your commands, wd have been blotted out– You cd not very well take that for serious blame? from me too, who have as much reason & provocation for blaming the archangel Gabriel!!– No—you could not misinterpret so,—& if you could not, & if you are not displeased with me, you must be unwell I think. I took for granted yesterday that you had gone out as before—but tonight it is different—& so I come to ask you to be kind enough to write one word for me by some post tomorrow– Now remember .. I am not asking for a letter—but for a word .. or line strictly speaking–

Ever yours, dear friend,

EBB.

Address: Robert Browning Esqre / New Cross / Hatcham / Surrey.

Postmark: 10FN10 AU30 1845 A.

Dockets, in RB’s hand: 46.; + Monday, Sepr 1. 1845. / 3–4½. p.m. [16].

Publication: RB-EBB, pp. 174–175.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. Date provided by postmark.

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