Correspondence

5583.  RB to Edward Wilberforce

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 250.

19. Warwick Crescent

Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.

April 29. ’65.

My dear Wilberforce, [1]

I found your card here the day before I left for Paris—there was no time to call and try to see you then. I returned last night, and here is your note of the 18th—but you will have believed in a good reason for the delay. I can do little in London but set my neck to the collar and push away: call here sometimes and you will give me great pleasure, that is the truth: though I never feel “at home”—and so fear to make friends feel “abroad” at some sombre tea-out pouring. Your’s looks bright from the outside, and long may it keep so, whether at Aylesbury Villa [2] or elsewhere.

I enclose the scrap you want. Kind regards to Mrs Wilberforce. [3]

Ever yours most truly,

Robert Browning.

Address: Edward Wilberforce Esq. / Aylesbury Villa, / Spring Grove, / Middlesex. W.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Bodleian Library.

1. Edward Wilberforce (1834–1914); see letter 3982, note 1.

2. Wilberforce is listed in RB’s address book of this period (AB-5) at “Aylesbury Villa, Spring Grove, Middlesex, W.”

3. Fannie Wilberforce (née Flash, 1831–95). The Wilberforces married in 1860.

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