5934. Edward Rowden to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 223–224.
Oxford
July 6– 1867.
Dear Sir
I have done myself the pleasure of despatching to your address the Diploma by Gr: West. Rail:– – & I have every hope it will reach you safely–– Pray allow me to congratulate you on being by this step entitled to all the privileges and advantages of a graduate of this illustrious University to me so dear & valuable–. Though your lot has been to achieve this position without the fatigues and anxieties of a College life .. yet you have but the pleasures connected therewith–– But for the future we are on a par–
Believe me
yours very faithful[l]y
Edward Rowden
R. Browning Esqre:
&c &c
Address: Robert Browning Esqre / 19 Warwick Crescent / Upper Westbourne Terrace / W.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Worcester College.
Enclosure:
Cancellarius Magistri et Scholares Universitatis Oxoniensis omnibus ad quos præsentes Litera pervenerint Salutem in Domino sempiternam
Quoniam pro comperto habeat Universitas virum egregium, Robertum Browning, usque a pueritia Musis deditum, scriptis suis, singulari ingenio, venustate, dulcedine exundantibus, ita se insignivisse, ut inter Primarios in literarum Republica merito et jure censeatur—— Nos; Cancellarius Magistri et Scholares Universitatis Oxoniensis ut voluntati pareamus permultorum, quos favore suo lubenter prosequitur Academia, et (quo ad licuerit) provideamus, ne in posterum laudis simul ejusdem ornati viri, necnon propensissimi nostri erga literas amoris desit stabilis quædam et perpetua recordatio, in solenni Convocatione prædictum Robertum Browning Magistrum in Artibus renunciavimus et constituimus, eumque virtute præsentis Diplomatis singulis juribus, privilegiis et honoribus ad istum Gradum quàquà pertinentibus frui et gaudere jussimus— In cujus rei testimonium commune Universitatis Oxoniensis sigillum præsentibus apponi fecimus.
Datum in Domo nostrâ Convocationis die vicesimo quinto Junii Anno Domini Millesimo octingentesimo sexagesimo septimo.
Translation:
The Chancellor, Masters, and Scholars of the University of Oxford to all to whom this present letter may come, may the Lord ever preserve and keep you. / Whereas the University by having ascertained Robert Browning to be an excellent man, even from youth, devoted to the Muses, by his writing, by his singular genius, by his beauty of style, by his overflowing delightfulness, in such a way as to have distinguished himself so that among the principals in the Republic of Letters he is considered deserving and just— We, the Chancellor, Masters, and Scholars of The University of Oxford willingly comply with many others what the Academy gladly follows after by its own favor, and (as far as it is possible) we provide, lest in the future a certain stable and perpetual remembrance of the honor of this same distinguished man, or of our very great love towards Letters, should fail, in solemn convocation we declare and give the title of Master in Arts to the aforementioned Robert Browning, this Diploma by present virtue, with privileges and honors for the position which wherever they are held to enjoy and delight we command— In testimony whereof the congregation of The University of Oxford have made the present seal to be affixed. / Having been delivered in Our Convocation House the 25th day of June 1867.
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