5533. John Ruskin to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 209.
Denmark Hill
28th Jany 1865
My dear Browning
The enclosed letter is from an amiable enough person [1] to whom I should like to say that I had sent it you—and I am glad to be forced at last to write a word to you. I have been living in the crannies of stones and [2] torn edges—of cairns—quite insensitive and helpless—throughout the last year—recovering some tone of mind, but not caring to talk to anybody. I am recovering also a little general strength, so, and mean to go on for a month or two longer.
I was provoked by that poem of yours on table rapping [3] —for this reason– If it be jugglery—one does not write poems against jugglers .. you might as well have written against Morison’s Pills– [4] But if it be not jugglery—there is no use in raving about it—and you only hinder the proper investigation of facts. Of course it is very disgusting– Nothing can be more disgusting than having to go to a water closet—but one does not write poems on the nastiness of corporeal dejection– If tables turn—it is the part of a man of sense to know why—and, if not—to say so in plain prose—and have done with it. I am violently grieved and angered by the abuse of a talent like yours on such a matter, while the passions of the nation are allowed to run riot in war and avarice, without rebuke.
If you care to come over any evening for a chat—you cannot doubt how glad I shall be to see you– Any day after this week is out if you will say you’ll come & dine at 5—or come to tea at 7, with my old mother & me. Of course I should like it—but I don’t expect you to come in the least—and I love you always though I’m in a rage at you just now.
—So believe me.
Ever affly Yrs.
J Ruskin
Address: Robert Browning Esq / 19. Warwick Cresct / Harrow Road.
Publication: DeLaura, pp. 347–348.
Manuscript: University of Texas.
2. Here Ruskin wrote, then lightly marked out: “milled edges—no—”.
3. “Mr. Sludge, ‘The Medium’” (Dramatis Personae, 1864).
4. James Morison (1770–1840), Scottish-born manufacturer, began selling his “Universal Vegetable Pills” (better known as Morison’s Pills), composed “mainly of aloes and gamboge,” in 1825 (ODNB). Their purpose was to purify the blood by way of purging. Great success in the early 1830’s was followed by a precipitous decline in sales when overdosing resulted in several deaths (see ODNB).
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