Correspondence

5910.  RB to William Morris

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 207–208.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.

May 26. ’67.

My dear Morris,

What a noble, melodious and most beautiful poem you have written! [1] I lay it down, at the last line, to say this,—but often and often again do I hope to read it, and to see the pictures in it by your help. I don’t at all wonder that you have done so admirably, however,—how should I, with your other book, [2] which has been my delight ever since I read it? I did not think that I should be easily reconciled to your keeping silence this long while,—but this poem justifies you indeed. Thank you heartily & affectionately,

Robert Browning.

Publication: William Morris: Artist, Writer, Socialist, ed. May Morris (Oxford, 1936), I, 641 (as 25 May 1867).

Manuscript: Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum.

1. The Life and Death of Jason (1867) by William Morris (1834–96) was published by Bell & Daldy the day before (see The Athenæum, 25 May 1867, no. 2065, p. 702). RB’s presentation copy sold as lot 943 in Browning Collections (see Reconstruction, A1679; now with Lasner).

2. The Defence of Guenevere, and Other Poems (1858).

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