5144. John Ruskin to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 165–166.

[London]

[Postmark: 15 December 1862]

Dear Browning

The photographs came safely. I will only say earnestly—thank you– My dislike of all photographs could by nothing be increased—and is in nothing diminished by these—but they are precious.

I was so glad to have you that evening. [1] So glad to find you well, and at work.

I shall look with deep interest for that exposition of Horace. I want to believe in Diana—if it may be—and to dedicate a pine to her [2] —but the pines in my garden are nearly all of a size, and I don’t in the least know which she would like; because, though she lights one, (I observe) more than the rest—I attribute the preference to the arrangement of the tiles on a neighbouring house corner—on the other side of the village street. —Also, I would fain put my spring into good humour, but I don’t seem to see that it would be at all better pleased by a little goats blood in it—and I like my goats—better, rather—to drink of it than dye it– What am I to do? Please send me some advice to

Mornex,

Haute Savoie,

France,

& remember me sometimes—and as then, and always

affectionately Yours,

J Ruskin.

My Father & Mother send grateful regards. (I write so much more comfortably on this paper than on anything chartistically polite.[)] [3]

Address: Robt Browning Esq. / 19. Warwick Cresct / Harrow Road.

Publication: DeLaura, p. 346 (as late December 1862—early January 1863).

Manuscript: University of Texas.

1. Friday, 12 December.

2. Ruskin probably has in mind “An Offering to Diana,” which contains the line “let the pine that overhangs my villa be yours” (Horace, Odes, III, 22, trans. Niall Rudd).

3. The letter is written on foolscap.

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