5141. RB to John Ruskin

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 163–164.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Harrow Road.

Dec. 9. ’62

My dear Ruskin,

You don’t know perhaps how disappointed I was at being taken ill last Saturday morning & forced to return to bed instead of breakfasting in your company: I sent my Boy to say so when the last hope left me,—but you were gone. I am not very well now—but I so exceedingly want to see you before you go away again that, imprudent as it may be (from the possibility of my breaking promise again) I can’t resolve to be prudent & refuse such a pleasure as you propose to me. And could you really give me your company “for an hour’s drive”? That is too tempting—I only hope you don’t sacrifice yourself outright by such an offer: I am selfish in accepting it, but cannot help myself—nor you.

So, if you absolutely will do this kind thing, I shall be ready in the afternoon.

You know I have something to say & to give you.

Truest thanks to your Father & Mother, my own old friends now, for remembering & caring to see me.

Ever yours affectionately

Robert Browning.

Docket, in Ruskin’s hand: R Browning / Decr 1862.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: The Ruskin Library.

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