5978. RB to Unidentified Correspondent
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 265–266.
19. Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace. W.
Nov: 15. ’67.
Without a figure of speech, I really want words to properly represent my feeling on the occasion of having to write the present paper,—& indeed I delayed doing so, for some time, from sensibility of that want: so great are the benefits I must acknowledge, and so poor the space in which I shall try to do so.
Mr Gillespie has, during the last six years, given instruction to my Son in Latin, Greek & the Mathematics. I have had the most intimate opportunities of knowing him, and every possible inducement to be critical on the very high recommendations with which, in the first instance, I was forced to content myself. I have found on the contrary my best expectations exceeded by the admirable and thorough scholarship, and the indefatigable zeal and unflagging attention of this gentleman, who unites to a complete familiarity with all he professes to teach a most happy way of teaching, in decided advance of any other method I have had the good fortune to know: great would have been my own fortune had I studied under such an instructor in my youth. And in addition to this, his multifarious knowledge of general literature constitutes an incidental advantage hardly to be over-rated,—and the pupil in learning Greek & Latin does not necessarily forget English,—as one might be led to believe now and then. Nor is it an insignificant matter that Mr Gillespie’s assiduity and conscientious punctuality in attendance, as well as scrupulous saving of every minute of the lesson, are quite in accordance with the value of the lesson itself. I shall hardly allow my desire to speak the truth one remark,—indeed an unnecessary one: without a high moral character and a most kindly and engaging disposition the qualities thus inadequately recorded could hardly exist. Mr Gillespie has gained from the beginning the love and respect of his pupil: he will ever possess the deep gratitude and best wishes of his friend
Robert Browning
(M.A. Honorary Fellow of
Balliol College, Oxford.)
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: University of Texas.
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