885. RB to Catherine Frances Macready

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 5, 191.

New Cross, Hatcham, Surrey.

Dec. 23. 1841.

My dear Mrs Macready,

Do me the favor to return my best thanks to Mr Macready for the honor he has done me. [1] I shall avail myself of the Ticket on every possible opportunity. A brilliant Season to Old Drury––a merry Christmas and happiest of New-Years to you and yours!—so wishes (in humble imitation of the Bellman), [2]

Yours much obliged and

ever faithfully,

Robert Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. There is nothing in Macready’s diary to illuminate this remark. The context suggests a complimentary pass to the Drury Lane Theatre.

2. i.e., the Town Crier, who rang his bell to attract attention when announcing momentous news.

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