5325. RB to Walter Savage Landor

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace, W

Feb. 2. ’64.

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 13–14.

My dear Sir,

I hear that your Landlord wants to encroach on your terrace, and that you would prefer going elsewhere. Of course I have desired Made Romagnuoli to take the proper steps to satisfy you: she will look out at once for a proper apartment, and in every case consult your comfort.

My friend and yours, Aubrey de Vere, is in Italy—on his return from Rome he will call and have the gratification of seeing you: Twisleton also will soon visit Florence,—but you know this. I hope that the letter of Forster, as well as my own, reached you duly on that famous 30th [1] I know I drank your health that day as in duty bound.

Pen’s love and respect are commended to you: he fences and spars capitally, not neglecting the other studies—wherein, being complimented by his Tutor [2] the other day,––he ventured this impromptu versicle–

“Incepi bene—sed melius concludere cœpta.” [3]

which first-fruits, though but a crab-apple, you must look benignantly upon.

Ever yours affectionately

Robert Browning.

Address, on integral page: Walter Savage Landor Esq.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library, Gordon N. Ray Bequest.

1. Landor’s 89th birthday.

2. George Knox Gillespie (1801–73); see letter 5013, note 7.

3. “I have begun well—but to conclude the work begun is better.”

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