5638. RB to Dante Gabriel Rossetti
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 5.
19 Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace, W
Oct. 11. ’65.
Dear Rossetti,
Here I come back and find the picture & beautiful frame: now, thank you indeed! Only, I don’t find the bill—which I want, please. And another thing I want more. I have so often abused my stupid self for giving way to your good nature and letting those lath & plaster ruins encumber your room and bother your brain. [1] You shall frame me, & the world, as many Lady Venuses—with honeysuckles [2] —as you like—but no rag nor splinter more of mine shall be on your mind,—I am firm on that. If Morris [3] and his Men choose to try their hands,—why, Morris deserves plaguing, because he never writes the poetry he was born for—but you do paint the pictures, and I shall gain most by that quality in you,—always excepting the benevolence to me of which I am sure. There! Understand me as I do you—dear fellow-student!
It is all too late, of course, for Mr Howell: [4] I don’t think he loses much, however. I shall get to you on an early day. I was at that old corner in Britanny [sic]. I mean to go & see your Brother also.
Ever affectionately yours
Robert Browning.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: University of Texas.
1. In January 1863 RB sent a number of paintings to Rossetti for framing; see letter 5154. Rossetti replied that he would “get them in hand at once” (letter 5157), but, as indicated in letter 5657, he had not done so. Presumably, “the picture” mentioned here was sent to Rossetti more recently.
2. RB refers to “Venus Verticordia” (1864–68), the foreground of which consists of honeysuckle. Doubtless, RB had seen it at Rossetti’s studio.
3. William Morris (1834–84), poet, designer, and socialist.
4. Charles Augustus Howell (1839–90); see letter 5633, note 1.
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