5575. RB to Samuel Lucas

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 242.

19 Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace W

March 23. ’65.

Dear Mr Lucas, [1]

I wish I could do what you so kindly propose—but I may as well say at once that it is impossible: even if I inclined to write anything for a Magazine I could not just now, when I have promised to give whatever might be forthcoming, to another such venture, [2] which you probably know about. But I thank you heartily for caring to get me,—and wish you better success with better contributors.

I shall be happy to see you at any time your occasions may lead you to this out-of-the-way quarter. I have a book of yours, far too long in my possession, which shall be soon returned to you.

Ever yours faithfully

Robert Browning

Publication: A Catalogue of the Collection of Autographs formed by Ferdinand Julius Dreer (Philadelphia, 1890), I, 74.

Manuscript: Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

1. Samuel Lucas (1818–68); see letter 4571, note 19. In 1865 he founded The Shilling Magazine, a monthly miscellany, which he edited. It lasted for thirteen issues: May 1865 to May 1866.

2. The Atlantic Monthly (see the first paragraph in letter 5345).

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