5962. RB to Edward Dowden

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 254–255.

19, Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace,

London, W.

October 16th, ’67.

My dear Mr. Dowden,

I have been away, and only got your note and the Magazine [1] on coming back. I had heard there was to appear some article, and when, by the advertisement, I found the Author was no other than you, I became interested indeed. How could I be otherwise than delighted with such a criticism? I am hampered in saying more, and shall not try, from what you will understand—the repugnance to seem paying your opinions with thanks and compliment, which would harass you likewise. But very grateful in the best sense I certainly am, be it said or unsaid.

I hardly dare be sure you describe me, as the writer, properly, and not too generously. Anyway, I cannot but wholly sympathise with such an one as you describe; will that seem too Jesuitic? And there is a passage in my new poem [2] that comes curiously in proof of it, as I hope you will not be long in seeing for yourself. I am finishing the exceedingly lengthy business, and hope to be rid of it in a few months more. May I send it to your present address?

I wish you could rather come and take it here. If you visit London at any time, I think you will remember how much I should enjoy seeing you.

Ever yours most truly,

Robert Browning.

Text: LVC, 2nd Ser., I, 21–22.

1. Fraser’s Magazine, containing Dowden’s review of Sordello. For the full text of this review, see pp. 392–398.

2. The Ring and the Book (1868–69).

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