4802. RB to Michael Browning

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 261.

Rome,

Dec. 29. ’60.

My dear Michael, [1]

I was much gratified by your kind and clever letter to me, and so was my wife: we both of us hope to see you and thank you in England at no distant time. As for our being “Authors,” great or little, I can only say we work hard and do our very best: but the essential thing is to be a good and kind man like your own Papa—who has been the kindest and best friend to me this many a long day.

I enclose for you every Roman Stamp, except the white which you do not want: I suppose nobody is in such a favorable situation for collecting Postage stamps as your Papa: but if you will mention to me what particular examples are wanting to your collection, I will do my best to get them for you from some of my acquaintance here who receive correspondence from far and near: they will of course be cancelled stamps—which, by the bye, these, which I send, are not—is there any fault in this omission? If so, I will send others,—getting them from Florence.

Kind love to your Mama, and whole circle, with best Christmas wishes from my wife and your little cousin as well as

Yours very affectionately

Robert Browning.

Address, on integral page: Mr. Michael Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. Michael Browning (1850–93), RB’s cousin, second son of Reuben Browning and his wife, Margaret (née Lewis).

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