3915. RB to Leigh Hunt
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 117–118.
39 Devonshire Place,
Oct 22. ’56.
My dear Mr Hunt,
I suppose this will be the last word I write in England—we go to Italy to-morrow: you know,—I am sure you know, how we should have delighted in speaking rather than writing it, though spoken good-byes are sad. I wish with all my heart we had seen you, or been able to go and see you; it was impossible a week or two ago when my wife returned from the country tired and unwell: and afterward business kept us both at home. I wish I had neglected business and shaken your hand once again. Next year will not be too late however to repair many omissions: we hope to return,—and find you as we found you,—just so, except that your health may be amended, and that of Mrs Hunt restored: nay, I will “wish” (as gloriously as a child) for more, exquisite poems beside, such as those you last gave us; [1] and after that, I pull off the wishing-cap. But of the two blessings—I choose your health—for the poems are done, and effectually.
My wife’s new edition will reach you directly: [2] it lay at the publisher’s, and I reclaimed it—but the paper was thin,—the early copy was but a bundle of “revises.” The new book will follow in about three weeks—and we should be happy indeed if you saw an advance there. Is it safe and right—or seemingly impudent—if I add that a word thrown into the post without further formality to R. or E.B.B, Florence, would make our hearts leap beyond most good news? I am bold to write this for my wife’s sake, you can understand. She sends all of love and admiration that a letter can pretend to carry—and you are assured of their sincerity by your ever affectionate & grateful
Robert Browning.
Publication: The Cornhill Magazine, May 1892, pp. 503–504.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Leigh Hunt’s most recent publication of poetry was Stories In Verse (1855), the first collected edition of his narrative poems.
2. Poems (1856). We have been unable to trace Hunt’s copy.
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