5473. RB to Moncure Daniel Conway

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 161–162.

19. Warwick Crescent

Upper Westbourne Terrace W

Nov. 4. ’64.

Dear Mr Conway,

I don’t dare touch your verses too closely—there being a tender truth in them: but perhaps the little marks I have ventured to leave do not materially hurt it: you can decide. I could regularize it more, but the irregularity here is characteristic of the feeling within.

Thank you for the good will, now as always—but I have not “an organ” among the weeklies—nor quarterlies, as you see– Upon my word, you are ignorant of the infinitesimal service that is done from a friend on these occasions: why, the Editor of the Edinburgh is a “friend” of twenty five years’ standing, and invites me to dine with him, now & then, on anything but thistle-tops, I assure you! I should think that Chapman might readily find a place for your article: but never mind!

I must get to see you—but my time is much taken up just now: it shall not prevent my soon shaking hands with Mrs Conway, however.

Yours most truly

Robert Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Columbia University.

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