1921. RB to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 10, 226.

[London]

Tuesday Evg [20 May 1845] [1]

I trust to you for a true account of how you are—if tired, if not tired, if I did wrong in any thing,—or, if you please, right in any thing—(only, not one more word about my “kindness”, which, to get done with, I will grant is excessive—) but, let us so arrange matters if possible,—and why should it not be?—that my great happiness, such as it will be if I see you, as this morning, from time to time,—may be obtained at the cost of as little inconvenience to you as we can contrive– For one instance—just what strikes me—they all say here I speak very loud—(a trick caught from having often to talk with a deaf relative of mine). [2] And did I stay too long?

I would tell you unhesitatingly of such “corrigenda”—nay, I will again say, do not humiliate me,—do not again,—by calling me “kind,” in that way–

I am proud & happy in your friendship—now and ever. May God bless you!

RB–

Address: Miss Barrett, / 50 Wimpole St

Postmark: 10FN10 MY21 1845 B.

Docket, in EBB’s hand: 15.

Publication: RB-EBB, p. 70.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. Date provided by postmark.

2. In Life and Letters of Robert Browning, Mrs. Orr comments on RB’s “loud voice,” and says that “Miss Browning reminds me that loud speaking had become natural to him through the deafness of several of his intimate friends: Landor, Kirkup, Barry Cornwall, and previously his uncle Reuben, whose hearing had been impaired by a blow from a cricket ball” (Orr, p. 370).

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