5210. John Forster to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 232–233.
Bedford Hotel—Brighton
May Day 1863
My dear Browning
The dedication [1] (sent by FC) [2] has just reached me. I am now starting from this place—but I must send you a word of thanks—“glad and grateful” [3] as the heart can make it.
You will not need that I should say more. With my heart so full of what I ought to say, it is difficult to say anything. I have only one sorrow as I write to you or think of you– The great sorrow, [4] but also the great pride and happiness, of your life; and so intermingled, that to put this sadness first seems neither just nor wise. For that passes; passes quickly when there is so much that can never pass away; that every day and year preserves and renews with everlasting freshness, and of which, besides the spiritual and eternal, there is a still living part for companionship beside you growing daily to a greater blessing. [5]
Mainly of the future, then, let us think, my dear Browning. So endeared to us by the past, of which you remind me, by these kind words of dedication, that I may claim to have my little share; and of which I always think with a sort of pleasure that no later friendships give.
I have written without much coherence I fear—because one does not think very coherently at these times—but, ill as I have said it; do you not know how proud and glad I feel, that our names may thus be found together by the future and for generations of readers that will most surely be yours.
God bless you my dear old friend
—Evermost affectionately yrs
John Forster
Address: Robert Browning Esq / 19 Warwick Crescent / Harrow Road / London W.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. The dedication to Forster in volume one of RB’s Poetical Works (1863) is dated “London, April 21, 1863” and reads as follows: “I Dedicate these Volumes / to / my old friend John Forster, / glad and grateful that he who, from the first / publication of the various poems they include, / has been their promptest and staunchest helper, / should seem even nearer to me now than / thirty years ago.”
2. Frederic Chapman.
3. See the dedication in note 1 above.
4. EBB’s death.
5. Referring to Pen.
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