2893. RB to Charles Eliot Norton
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 16, 242.
Florence.
Dec 9. ’50.
What am I to say, my dear Mr Norton, [1] in reply to your note?—for as to any return for its kindness, I shall hardly attempt that. Is it quite fair to leave such an impression of yourself on people you are about to quit “next wednesday,” as you say? [2] —and for how long!– Yet let me hope that your gift of the “Prelude” is of excellent omen that it will not be for very long,—& that as Wordsworth was permitted by happy circumstances to develop & conclude all the great work of which this poem was only the announcement,—so our friendship may fail to fulfil none of its pleasant promises—or rather allow us, the other party, to do in our turn a little more justice to the real feeling of regard & esteem with which your too brief visit has inspired us– For this reason,—not the very unnecessary one of recalling you to our memory; my wife & I will accept very gratefully what shall be a truest of keepsakes.
I return Mr Ticknor’s work [3] with great regret at having been suffered to read so little of it—but I shall repair that loss at the earliest opportunity. It seems a thoroughly conscientious & admirable performance.
My wife’s best thanks, & wishes go with those of, My dear Mr Norton,
Yours faithfully ever,
Robert Browning.
I will send Pendennis to-morrow, not having quite done with it.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Harvard University.
1. Charles Eliot Norton (1827–1908), man of letters, co-founded The Nation in 1865.
2. Norton decided to cut short his stay in Europe when he received word on 7 December that his sister Louisa was soon to marry (see SD1460). He left Florence on Thursday, 12 December (see SD1462), and arrived in America in time for her 27 January wedding.
3. History of Spanish Literature (New York, 1849) by Norton’s uncle, George Ticknor (1791–1871). As indicated in SD1462, RB delivered this note and Ticknor’s work in person to Norton, who, according to the subscription records of Vieusseux’s Reading Rooms, was staying at 4599 Piazza Santa Maria Novella.
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