5156. RB to Theodore Tilton
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 176–177.
London, 19. Warwick Crescent,
Harrow Road.
Jan. 13. ’63.
My dear Sir,
The visit of Mr Haven [1] —(for which, many thanks): and his offer to carry a letter for me, come opportunely enough, as I was just meaning to write to you. I am going to publish two Essays which were printed twenty years ago—I don’t know if you ever heard of them—“On the Christian Greek Poets” and a light review of “The English Poets”: the former created considerable attention at the time, from the novelty of the subject and the characteristic translations introduced. The writer took them to Italy fifteen years ago and intended to republish them—which makes me do so. I shall, of course, send them to you, a month before publication here. If you like them for your Newspaper, make use of them, and give me what you please, what the times allow and (—I have to say to generosity like yours)—no more. If you decline them, or after you have used them, I shall trust to your kindness to make whatever bargain you think proper with Mr Miller.
I write fast to save the mail: you will be glad to hear that the Boy is well: here is his face, [2] as it was three months ago: he grows and changes, but keeps a good fellow. You and yours are well, I hope: I hear, too, of your admirable service in the Great Cause. God bless it & you!
Yours heartily ever
Robert Browning
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
1. Gilbert Haven (1821–80), American clergyman, was a Bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church (1872–80).
2. One of two photographs taken at Paris in October 1862. They and two others taken at the same time are reproduced facing p. 144.
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