Correspondence

6044.  RB to Augusta Pym

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 308–309.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.

Apr. 30. ’68.

Dear Mrs Pym, [1]

I am deeply obliged to you for your interesting letter,—superfluous, however, in the request it contains: for you have every right to make what use you please of those lines: I shall add,—while on the subject,—any other poem that may be available is equally at your service.

You know with what respect and regard I did, and shall ever, think of Dr Harding: I was not aware he had left us. [2] Kind and good he always was to me and mine: I only saw him once since my return to England (for a moment in the quadrangle at Westminster Abbey)—but few faces remain so vividly with me as your Father’s. I am glad you were a comfort to him.

My son,—he ushered into the world—is nineteen, and on the point of going to Oxford: how the years fleet! May they bring you something, if they take away much from us all!

Ever most truly yours

Robert Browning

Publication: NL, p. 181.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Augusta Caroline Pym (née Harding, 1830–81), daughter of James Harding (1787–1868)—see letter 4171, note 2—and his wife, Mary (née Pym, b. 1786).

2. Harding died on 26 March at his residence, Grove House, Lymington.

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