5826. RB to Henry Hart Milman

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 140–141.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.

Nov. 17. ’66.

My dear Mr Dean,

I told you, very truly, that I felt there must be some impediment in the way of the pleasure you promised me,—and the first shape it took was that of the summons to the Grand Jury—which you disposed of so expeditiously that I seemed free, and felt glad indeed: a few minutes after, I remembered that I was engaged, in case the other business should allow, to dine at Ruskin’s, [1] —having to conduct a foreign friend thither. There is hardly forgiveness to be asked, in a case where the asker, only, loses—and loses so much: but I ask it never the less.

Very faithfully yours ever

Robert Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. On Monday, 19 November (see SD2849).

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