4900. RB to Edward Chapman

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 134.

Rome,

May 21. ’61.

Dear Chapman,

This is to advise you that we leave for Florence June 1st—have the goodness therefore to send the “Ath” & the other Magazine to that Place as usual.

I never answered your last letter, I think, except by a draft on you for the two pence halfpenny which my wife gets by her books and the odd farthing which when times are particularly lucky comes to my share. I suppose you were not inconvenienced by such a drain on your Exchequer. Upon my word, I for my part must consider a little what I do with my next Men & Women, which I can sell for twenty guineas a piece to an American newspaper [1] & be praised into the bargain. You won’t care where I go with my unsaleables, that’s one comfort.

My wife is very weak but better than she was. When we get to Florence we shall gather up the pieces of us & see what more we can do. Kind remembrances to Frederick.

Yours faithfully

Robert Browning.

Publication: None traced

Manuscript: The Brotherton Collection, University of Leeds.

1. The Independent (New York).

___________________