2107. RB to John Kenyon

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 11, 189–190.

[London]

Friday Night. [21 November 1845] [1]

Dear Mr Kenyon,

You understand that, like Dr Johnson, “It is not for me to bandy compliments with my sovereign.” [2] All the pride, and honour is with me .. it is only the love which I do not so strictly insist on keeping to myself.

Forster writes to me that he, too, has received those noble verses of Landor– I may be allowed to wear my “order” at my button hole on gala days therefore, and where should I go, when dressed like the man whom the King delighteth to honour, if not to Miss Barrett? I sent her a copy directly; but am none the less grateful to you for your good office.

My father and I will be punctual on Tuesday: My sister returns her true thanks for your kind note. For me, I am as ever

most affectionately yours,

R Browning.

Address, on integral page: John Kenyon Esqre / 39. Devonshire Place, / Regent’s Park.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. Dated by the enclosed copy of Landor’s verses. See letters 2101 and 2104.

2. Cf. Johnson’s response when asked if he had replied to a compliment given him in person by George III: “It is not for me to bandy civilities with my Sovereign” (James Boswell, The Life of Johnson, LL.D, 1791, I, 293).

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