5786. RB to George Murray Smith

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 108.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.

July 4. ’66.

My dear Mr Smith,

I am sure you know how much I enjoyed such a dinner as you now offer me, when I met you at Greenwich two years ago: what was so pleasant then, must be put aside this time,—for I lost my Father little more than a fortnight since, and I should be sadly out of place.

I really have been delaying to say this, simple as it is, from the unwillingness I feel to say “no,” in any shape, to any proposal of yours.

Very truly yours ever

Robert Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Eton College Library.

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