5522. RB to William Surtees Altham

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 199.

19. Warwick Crescent

Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.

Jan. 12. ’65.

My dear Surtees,

How I hate to have to refuse such kindness as yours! You must do me justice and understand why I cannot give Pen the great pleasure which it would be to go to you. We were two months and a half away in the Autumn: we are just in the beaten track again,—the lessons beginning to be effective,—and a break, even for a day or two, would be disastrous just now. Remember that in less than two years comes the awful Balliol. I can afford no intermission of studies till Easter,—because, as we don’t work a bit too hard, all our chance is in the keeping regularly to the little we do. If therefore, at or about Easter, you can still gratify Pen by an invitation for a few days, he will accept it joyfully,—and I shall enjoy it, by sympathy, quite as much.

It is useless saying how Pen thanks you, and feels vexed that he must give up this visit: but he has sense enough to see the reason and acquiesce. Give his love with mine to dear Altham and to Mary and Teddy also—but especially to Mrs Altham—and believe

me, dear Surtees

Yours affectionately ever

Robert Browning.

Address: Major Altham / Stoke Court, / St Mary, / near Taunton.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: In private collection.

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