5838. RB to Elisabeth Benzon

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 147–148.

[London]

Saturday ¼ 5. [?1867] [1]

Dear Mrs Benzon, [2]

Oh yes, with all the pleasure in the world!– But I fancy Robert is already engaged: he is out rowing now, and I cannot wait till he returns, or I shall miss the post. So, in any case, expect

Yours affectionately ever

Robert Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. Conjectured date based on the reference to Pen’s rowing, which is often mentioned in RB’s correspondence from 1862 to 1867, and by Pen’s being “already engaged,” which implies that he is of an age to be going out in the evening.

2. Elisabeth Benzon (née Lehmann, 1827–78); see letter 5205, note 1.

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