5125. RB to Alexander Munro

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 147.

19. Warwick Crescent, Harrow Road. [1]

[24 October 1862] [2]

Dear Munro,

I called partly to see you, partly to see the Bust: it looks only too good. Can I have it? [3] The Boy is a great fellow now, out of curls & pretty collars, & I shall be glad indeed of this bit of old times– I don’t know how to avoid asking you to take the trouble of packing and sending it—“at my charges” of course. Another day, I shall make you show me some of your latest things, as well as the beautiful old ones I have long ago had in photograph.

Best respects to Mrs Munro. [4]

Yours faithfully

R Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: In private collection.

1. RB wrote this note at Munro’s studio, using a sheet of Munro’s writing paper.

2. Date provided by Munro in letter 5126.

3. Munro’s marble bust of Pen, completed in 1859 and since stored at the artist’s studio until RB’s return to London. The original in clay was completed in November 1858. The marble bust is illustrated in vol. 25, facing p. 273.

4. Mary Munro (née Carruthers, 1834–72), fourth daughter of Robert Carruthers (1799–1878) and his wife, Janet (née Roberts, 1797–1874), married Alexander Munro (1825–71) on 30 September 1861.

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