5207. RB to Augusta Matthews
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 229–230.
19. Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace,
Apr. 22. ’63.
My dear Mrs Matthews, [1]
Your brother told me two days ago that you were under the impression that I had been prevented from objecting to his Design for the Monument, by the fact of my having accepted it: I said I should write to you and tell you the truth, in justice to myself,—yes, and to him, dear fellow, whose generosity would have so eagerly obliged—rather than allowed—me to throw up his labour had I entertained the least doubt of its value. The simple truth, then, is that I was from the first, and am, and ever shall be, entirely satisfied with that beautiful and original work of his, just as if it had not been his work, in the critical view of it, though his kindness and feeling make even the artistic qualities of the performance more precious. I said this plainly to everybody concerned, and supposed there was no need to repeat it: of course, it is not for me to argue out the matter as a more instructed person would have the right to do. Others, and friends of mine, may have other opinions, with every right to them, of course—and, in pure goodness to me, may state them with due energy: I do not mistake their goodness, and I hope it is impossible to mistake my opinion—you, at least, will not, for the future.
Your Brother thought there was no need of my writing to you—but I chose to do so, from a wish that the strange misconception should go to the winds from which it arose: also, because, I have your kindness too in memory, and wish to remain as I really am, in your thoughts—old times being everything to me now, and are you not a part of them?
All regard to Mr Matthews: if you and he return to London, you will let me know– I shall not be as stupidly occupied and confused as last year.
Ever yours faithfully
Robert Browning.
Address: Italie, Toscane. / Mrs Matthews, / Casa del Bello, / 2578. Via della Fornace, / Florence.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library (envelope); and Yale University.
1. Augusta (“Gussy”) Neunburg Matthews (née Leighton, 1835–1919); see letter 4503, note 4.
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