6010. RB to Bayard Taylor
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 290–291.
London, 19. Warwick Crescent, W.
Jan: 25. ’68.
My dear Mr Taylor,
I don’t think you can have misunderstood the tardiness of this acknowledgement of your letter and poem, [1] —that is, you do not suppose I am other than very grateful,—happy too, that good to you,—and all of us indeed,—should come in the way you describe so beautifully and touchingly. There used to be healing once in a shadow—and there is all the interest in the world to me in shadows—were they far fainter than this one you describe—which come from what is real and present to me at all times. Thank you very heartily and affectionately; I will write some other time; or you, the world-traversing man will again come here and let me talk & shake your hand.
Yes,—the long poem you ask about and feel interest in,—as your way has been before, I know very well,—here it is done—but I like to keep turning and touching it, before sending away my three years’,—four almost,—labour and pains: I keep my interest fresh as ever in the people of it, which is a good sign. If you are interested too, some six months hence, it will be pleasant indeed: it will be printed in Boston, and appear there as soon as here: but such lengths of verse, such vollies of lines—be prepared for copying Giotto’s frescos and the Towers of Florence, shifting and stable! The great moral must come for sure.
Give my kindest regards to Mrs Taylor, who is very good to remember me, and believe me ever
Yours most truly
Robert Browning.
Address: Italie. / Bayard Taylor Esq. / Chez Forquet (Frères) / Naples.
Publication: Life and Letters of Bayard Taylor, ed. Marie Hansen-Taylor and Horace E. Scudder (Boston, 1884), II, 483 (in part).
Manuscript: R.H. Taylor Collection.
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