1602. RB to Richard Hengist Horne

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 8, 305.

[London]

[ca. 20] Apr. 1844. [1]

My dear Horne,

The causes which I intimated might probably cause an indefinite postponement of the publication of my play—having suddenly ceased to operate [2] —the press has done its work, & I have only to hope you may like the copy I send, with all regards and true admiration.

Yours ever

RB.

Docket, in Horne’s hand: R.B. / With copy of “Colombe’s / Birthday.”

Publication: The Athenæum, 1 September 1894, p. 298.

Manuscript: Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection.

1. Moxon announced Colombe’s Birthday as “just published” on 20 April.

2. RB doubtless refers to Kean’s request to defer publication until the play was acted, a request RB felt he could not accede to (see letter 1566).

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