5990. RB to Robinson Ellis
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 274–275.
19. Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.
Dec: 20. ’67
My dear Sir, [1]
I have to express first of all my gratitude for the gift of your superb book, [2] and for the note which enhanced the value of that gift. I am ambitious enough to intend to read and study not “a part” simply but the whole of your labours in this matter: meanwhile I congratulate us all on the proof of such ripe scholarship being still extant among English professors thereto. And now I go on to solicit an additional indulgence on your part,—being emboldened, and indeed directed to do so by Mr Jowett. My Son is in Town till next Term,—would it be consistent with your arrangements to allow him to read with you—or rather, work under your direction, in the interval? It is unnecessary to speak of the importance I should attach to such a privilege: and if you grant it, I shall further beg to be informed of the days and hours you select for my son’s attendance, as well as your charge.
Pray believe me, my dear Sir,
Yours very faithfully
Robert Browning.
My son has been reading during last term with your friend Mr Broughton: he has to matriculate (in March, I believe) at Balliol: and Mr Broughton professes himself satisfied with his attention & progress.
Address: R. Ellis Esq. / 10 Cornwall St. / S.W. [Redirected:] Trinity College / Oxford.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Robinson Ellis (1834–1913); see letter 5842, note 4.
2. An enlarged edition of Catulli Veronensis Liber (1867), which sold in an unspecified lot in Browning Collections (see Reconstruction, A594). See also letter 5842, note 1, for the earlier edition.
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