5059. Thomas Woolner to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 72.
29 Welbeck Street W. [1]
April 24 ’62
My dear Mr Browning
I have just finished my Group, which goes off tomorrow, and it is now half past 1 oclock, but I cannot go to bed without telling you how much I admire the stanza, for I have only one regret about it—that it is not 8 stanzas instead of 8 lines. [2]
I think it does what I want admirably, and Fairbairn [3] himself is equally delighted with it: he says he must ascertain his wife’s feeling on the subject before he gets it printed: I was to express to you his most hearty and sincere thanks for your great kindness, but he means to thank you directly also.
I think the notion of the prism introduces the last more serious lines in a most lovely way; and although at first I thought “wreak” a half tint too strong on reflection I feel it quite right and would not have the subtle almost painfully sweet feeling which it expresses altered on any account.
I read it to some people this afternoon in my studio, while they looked at the group and they were charmed. Mrs Hare, [4] widow of the late Archdeacon, suggested that it should be cut on the pedestal: which I shall try to get carried into effect.
I ache all over with fatigue, so that I will only say that I know you will believe me appreciative.
Most truly your’s
Thos: Woolner
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Princeton University.
4. Jane Esther Hare (née Maurice, 1814–64), daughter of Michael Maurice (1766–1855), Unitarian Minister, and his wife, Priscilla (née Hurry, 1776–1854). She married in 1844 Julius Charles Hare (1795–1855), Archdeacon of Lewis (1840–55).
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