5975. RB to Thomas Forbes Kelsall
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 263–364.
19. Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.
Nov: 14. ’67.
My dear Sir,
This is only a word to reassure you as soon as may be of the safe arrival of the precious packet. Of my own gratitude I shall not try and speak here,—nor of the great enjoyment I shall have in inspecting the various papers: I propose to profit by your indulgence so far as to get some pressing work done before I treat myself to this inordinate pleasure: but the delay will not be anything like that which you so kindly allow: I will then reply to your most interesting letter in detail. I hardly need assure you that I know the value of the deposit, and will use all diligence in getting it returned to you without making you pay for your generosity by the loss of a particle.
Such a “Selection” as you desiderate could be done by yourself far better than anybody else. However, in such a cause, and for love’s sake, I would gladly co-operate,—but of this & the other matters mooted, in due season! All I have now to do is once again to thank you heartily & repeat how much I feel myself
Yours faithfully & indebtedly
Robert Browning.
I can hardly dare deprive you of the two poems you offer me: [1] I had thought my admiration for Beddoes was self-remunerating purely,—you want to reward it indeed!
Address: Thomas F. Kelsall Esq. / Fareham.
Publication: Donner, pp. 98–99.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
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