532. RB to William Charles Macready

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 183–184.

Camberwell,

July 23, 1836.

My dear Macready,

I am very sensible of your goodness in thus breaking in upon your brief breathing-time for the purpose of being hospitable to one “who could find it in his heart to bestow all his tediousness on your worship,” [1] in season and out of season:– I confess myself unable to compete with so signal generosity, and instead of vying with you in self-denial and refusing to come, shall look forward to next Saty with indecent impatience. Would I had a previous engagement! that, setting it aside, I might––but there would be no virtue in that, unless it were as attractive as yours; until I shall be favoured with such an one I must remain, Dear Macready,

Your ever truly and obliged

Robt Browning

Be so kind as to offer my very best respects to Mrs and Miss Macready, with both of whom I shall be delighted to renew my acquaintance.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: University of Texas.

1. Cf. Much Ado About Nothing, III, 5, 21–22.

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