568.5. RB to John Robertson

Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 3.

Hanover Cottage, Southampton St Camberwell,

May 23, 1837.

My dear Sir,

I fear I cannot venture to fix any certain time for the appearance of “Sordello”—the Poem you propose to honour. I am unwilling to bring out at a disadvantageous season a work which has resulted from considerable thought and some research; and may possibly couple it with another Tragedy, towards the end of Autumn, that the authorized and prescribed form of the latter may in some measure compensate the “Reading Public” for the originality and contempt of convention in the former production. Meanwhile, accept my warmest thanks for your kind offer—(which extended, I hope, to Paracelsus and Strafford) and my sincere assurance that no labour shall be wanting to render all works, present and to come, worthy your goodness; the best proof of which is my hesitating to avail myself of your renewed and gratifying offer:—until “Sordello” is disposed of. I cannot venture to give up so much time as I should be compelled to devote to a single article—in justice to myself and to the distinguished Review under your superintendence.

Believe me, my dear Sir,

Yours faithfully and obliged,

Robert Browning.

John Robertson Esq.

Publication: The Manchester Courier, 27 December 1888, p. 5.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

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