1653. RB to Rachel Talfourd

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 9, 53–54.

New Cross

[Postmark: 19 July 1844]

Offered for sale in Sotheby’s Catalogue, 27 July 1905, lot 1073. 1 p., 8vo. RB writes: “I should be most happy to dine with you to-morrow, but of all nights in the year my father stays in Town this same Saturday night, and so my mother expects me to play Mr. Greatheart [1] and keep the house against giants.”

1. In Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress (1678–84), Great-heart guides and protects Christian’s wife and children as they make their way to the Celestial City.

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