5871. RB to Francis Gledstanes Waugh

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 176.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.

Feb. 26. ’67.

My dear Mr Waugh,

Thank you extremely for your note, and the kindness implied in the request it conveys. I am certain, however, that you will incline to decide with me, on re-consideration, that I ought not to become accessory, in never so indirect a degree, to any sort of public speaking in a matter where my voice would be indecorous, I think. Even to say “I should have been honoured & gratified” jars on my sense of what ought to follow a mere private decision, on the Council’s part, that such honor & gratification are beyond their gift,—not their willingness to give. I am quite content with the feeling shown me by all concerned, and must not imperil it by so ambiguous a step as the printing a friendly letter like mine. I am sure you understand this.

Thank you also for your hearty invitation. The “shaking hands,” I shall claim, depend on it, the first time I go to Oxford again,—and, should circumstances allow of the “peck & perch”, [1] —I know where to find them henceforward!

Ever most truly yours

Robert Browning.

Address: F. Gledstanes Waugh Esq. / Exeter College, / Oxford.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. i.e., food and lodging.

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