1145. RB to William Charles Macready

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 6, 314–315.

New Cross, Hatcham,

Saty Noon. [4 February 1843] [1]

My dear Macready,

I received your note last night, and would have called at the Theatre as you suggested, had not an engagement prevented me. I will try & attend next Rehearsal. As for the play, I must send my copy to press on Monday Mg and correct while the printers have it in hand. One thing, however, I ought to ascertain now,—can you tell me (by a couple of lines) how you divide the piece into Acts (for I am quite of your opinion that there should be Three only). I think the 1st Act should include the Bedchamber Scene[.] The 2d—the two Library Scenes. And the 3d—what now stand as 4th & 5th. [2] But you shall decide.

Yours ever,

R Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection.

1. Date based on Macready’s diary entry of 1 February 1843 and the subsequent publication of A Blot in the ’Scutcheon, 11 February 1843.

2. The play was acted and printed divided into three acts, rather than RB’s original five.

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