5194. RB to John Skelton
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 219–220.
19 Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.
March 31st, ’63.
My dear Sir,
I find your note, on returning to London after a fortnight’s absence; you will have guessed the reason of any delay in answering it. I read your article last month. [1] I am glad indeed of the opportunity your kindness gives me of saying that I do not think it “weak” or “inadequate”—but assuredly generous, and in that respect not unworthy of you, however it may be undeserved by me. I do not often speak about myself, but I think I feel your sympathy as gratefully as you could desire.
I am settled here for some years superintending the education of my son; if you ever come to London, [2] and care to call on me, I shall have great pleasure in seeing you, face to face.
In any case, I am yours very faithfully and obligedly,
Robert Browning.
Text: Sir John Skelton, The Table-Talk of Shirley (London, 1895), p. 288.
2. Skelton is listed in RB’s address book of this period (AB-5) at 20 Alva Street, Edinburgh.
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