5444. RB to Walter Savage Landor

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 116.

Cambo près Bayonne.

Aug. 23. ’64.

My dear Mr Landor,

I believe that some communication from Madame Romagnuoli respecting the apartment may have missed me; I just receive your note from which I gather that some change of quarters is proposed, to which you are disinclined. I will write presently to her, desiring her to use every means in her power to stay where you are, even if additional rent be a second time exacted—just as I bade her pay it last year when I found that you preferred a continuance in the house, and as I have always bade her find another house when you seemed tired of the present. If the Landlord has any good feeling he will hardly oblige you to leave his house: I trust we shall find it so. I repeat, I know nothing of any new reasons for disturbing you, and this shall be prevented, if possible.

I am deeply grieved to hear that your weakness is so much increased: and can only hope that there is compensation in the permanence of the intellectual vigour, and that, come what will, you have been one of the most extraordinarily gifted of men. A few days before I left England, I met your old friend Trelawny, who spoke of you with great interest.

I am here for three weeks longer with my father and son: the latter, Robert, is very well, tall and strong. I had hoped to bring him to see you this summer, but find it impossible. He desires his best love may be given to you– If our desires in your behalf otherwise might but be as easily gratified!

I am ever, dear Mr Landor,

Most affectionately yours

Robert Browning.

Address, on integral page: Walter Savage Landor Esq.

Publication: None traced.

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

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