5852. Benjamin Jowett to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 158–159.
Balliol Coll.
Tue. [Postmark: 29 January 1867]
Dear Mr Browning
I have been asked to put a question to you about the Professorship of Poetry: You are, perhaps, aware that the Professorship is likely to become vacant in June: [1] & has comparatively slight duties, the delivery of four lectures in a year: to this is attached a small salary of 100£. I ought to mention that it is only tenable by an M.A & lasts for five or generally by reelection for ten years.
The question that I have to ask is whether you would be willing to become a candidate provided the requisite degree could be obtained: I think that every one here of any intelligence would deem that you had conferred a great honour & favour on us in consenting. Of course, my friends who ask the question would not put you forward unless there were a good chance of success & unless in the first instance they could obtain the Degree.
Will you let me know what you think about this? I am sure that we should all feel the greatest pride & delight in having you amongst us.
I have to thank you for a most kind present which I greatly value. Will you give my kind regards to your Son &
Believe me
Ever your’s truly
B Jowett
I am expecting to be in London tomorrow (Wed) Evening, at
David Morier’s Esqre [2]
Montagu Square
(I forget the no). If you would be able to look in there & talk over the matter I am sure that he & his Son, my friend R. B. Morier [3] would be delighted to see you.
Address: Robert Browning Esqre / 19 Warwick Crescent / Harrow Road, / London.
Publication: BBIS-8, p. 24.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Matthew Arnold held the position, 1857–67. He was followed by Francis Hastings Charles Doyle (1810–88), 1867–77.
2. David Richard Morier (1784–1877), diplomat, had retired in 1847 after his last posting as minister plenipotentiary to Switzerland. He resided at 45 Montague Square.
3. Robert Burnet David Morier (1826–93), diplomat, only son of David Richard Morier and his wife, Ann (née Jones, 1793–1855). He attended Balliol College from 1845 to 1849.
___________________
