3842. RB to Leigh Hunt
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 37.
39 Devonshire Place.
Aug. 20. [1856] [1]
My dear Mr Hunt .. Master Hunt, that is, as they would have addressed you in Shakespeare’s time: I did indeed get your letter & foolishly said nothing of the delight it gave me, from the fancy that I was to see you face to face so soon, and that there are certain points on which one is too sensitive to bear repeated touching—you put a flower in my breast which I hardly dare look at, much less finger. With respect to your own change of the evening, it also seemed obvious that you were “padrone” [2] (as we Tuscans say) to give us what you would, when you would. We never expected you when the rain set in: and now comes this good news of your purpose for next Tuesday week. Be sure that we shall rejoice in seeing you then. One thing only, one particular call from the country (i.e, to the country) might prevent it: in that just-possible case, you should be duly apprised. I write for my wife, or even more for her than myself—but she will soon equal me in knowledge of you.
Of my books—I dare only reply to your “third” note on them, that I know they err in obscure and imperfect expression,—wishing it were not so, and trying always that for the future it may be less so. And now I will forget all failure in happiest success, and frankly take the joy you give me of esteeming myself
your grateful & affectionate friend,
Robert Browning.
Publication: NL, p. 95.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. Year provided by reference to the return address.
2. Literally, “owner”; figuratively, “entitled.”
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