4990. RB to Theodore Tilton
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 259–261.
1. Chichester Road.
Upper Westbourne Terrace. London,
Nov. 23. ’61.
My dear Sir,
I received two days ago the Bill from Mr Richards, [1] and acknowledge your munificence according to his desire.
I shall now proceed to publish the final volume of Poems [2] of which I wrote to you: these will consist only of such pieces as I know to have been meant for publication by their author—nor shall I at anytime publish more. They will comprise [3] of the Poems which you have (I repeat) so munificently paid for—and, I suppose, twice the quantity of entirely unprinted poems, original & translated.
I am sure that you will understand me in what I am about to say in the fewest words possible. I intend to send you the proof-sheets of the volume before publication in England: all pecuniary transactions between us on the subject of this particular volume are at an end—you have remunerated us so amply, and with circumstances of such exceeding courtesy & kindness, that I do no extravagant thing in begging you to make what use you please of the contents as a simple acknowledgement of past kindness. When, however, the purpose of your Journal has been served and there remains only to transfer the Poems to any Bookseller desirous of printing them in a collected form,—if you can make any arrangement in favor of my Child (for whom only, I am bound to think in the matter) I will acquiesce in it very gratefully: should the Times be adverse to such an arrangement, or in any case,—I shall ever be sure of your good will.
I do not propose such a transfer to Mr Francis for reasons enough. He has written to me, just as usual, directing how the proofs should be forwarded &c but with no mention of his Firm’s having ceased to exist—as you informed me. [4] Now the account between us is a simple one: for the “Poems” of E.B.B., published exclusively by Mr Francis for the last fifteen years & more, the author never received one farthing. For “Aurora Leigh,”—in consequence of remonstrance, a sufficient remuneration was made. For the “Poems before Congress,” forwarded without such precaution, nothing has been paid: and this in the face of tempting offers from at least one other eminent Firm (Messrs Ticknor & Fields) which we declined closing with till default should be made in the case of last publication. To a person not on the spot, only the results are perceptible—nor do I attempt to enter into the reasons of such default—still less do I intend, with respect to this particular book, to chaffer or make merchandize—but, as I said, in the interest of my child I shall gladly receive any money that may easily be procured, and remain absolutely contented with whatever you may be able to do, or leave undone, in the case.
This needed to be said & it is done with, I am happy to say. For you, my dear Sir, I shall always retain a very grateful & friendly feeling: & if, in this London which will be probably my residence for years to come, you can employ my limited power of service, there shall be no want of desire, on my part, to return you favours.
Ever yours gratefully & faithfully
Robert Browning.
Theodore Tilton Esq.
Address: America. / Theodore Tilton Esq. / Office of the “Independent” / 5. Beekman St / New York, U.S.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection; and Manuscripts Division, New York Public Library (envelope).
1. Joseph Handley Richards (1836–1900), publisher of The Independent.
2. EBB’s Last Poems (1862).
3. RB altered “consist” to “comprise” but failed to cancel “of.”
4. The firm of C.S. Francis & Co. was dissolved in 1860 and renamed for the new proprietor, James Miller (d. 1883, aged 60), who had been a longtime employee. Miller published the American edition of Last Poems, featuring a "Memorial" by Tilton, in 1862.
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