5221. RB to Unidentified Correspondent

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 241.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace W.

May 15. ’63.

My dear Sir,

It does seem as if your extreme kindness had taken my breath away yesterday– I mean, really, that I could not at first reply to your letter & its offer [1] —of which I fancy the value but know the generosity. How can I refuse,—what would seem to be a great pleasure turned into something even better by your kindness and considerateness? I should never have thought of “going” even in good company—but this will be “possessing”, without a drawback, the national enjoyment I have somehow missed all my life: and the delight of my son will perhaps repay even your benevolence.

I shall take your promised instructions gratefully, and, weather or no, never forget your goodness.

Faithfully yours

R Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Boston University.

1. To attend the Derby horse race at Epsom, Surrey, on Wednesday, 20th May 1863. According to Mrs. Procter, the offer was extended by a friend of Forster’s who asked RB “to a lowly Cottage near Dorking—some name like Hobson—or Hodson” (see SD2639). In letter 5225, RB writes that he and Pen went “to a friend’s house close by the course.”

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