623. RB to John Robertson [1]
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 24.
[London]
Good Friday, [13 April] 1838
Dear Sir,
I was not fortunate enough to find you the day before yesterday—and must tell you very hurriedly that I sail this morning for Venice—intending to finish my poem among the scenes it describes. [2] I shall have your good wishes I know.
Believe me, in return,
Dear sir,
Yours faithfully and obliged,
Robert Browning.
Text: Orr, p. 88.
1. According to Mrs. Orr, Robertson was connected with The Westminster Review, and had been introduced to RB by Miss Martineau. He had expressed admiration for Paracelsus and had promised careful attention to Sordello. However, he demanded an early reading of the poem; RB thought this would be unfair to other reviewers, and refused to comply, thus losing Robertson’s goodwill (Orr, p. 88).
2. i.e., Sordello.
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