SD2507. Robert Bulwer Lytton to John Forster

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 309–310 (in part).

Vienna

26 Aug. 1861

… What do you hear of Browning? I have not heard of him since my return here, nor from Miss Blagden from whom I hoped to have news of him. The day I recd. your letter I heard from Mr Cartwright (the writer of the Edinbro Article on Italy) who is now at Vienna that Browning had written to him to say he was just starting to London. So I dont know what to think, and am anxious lest he shd. have broken down at Paris.

I have much to thank you for my very dear Forster, and much to talk of—but notably your kind promise of assistance in the matter of the Review on B. wh I am endeavouring to complete as soon as possible. I think it will be substantially good—but as I have never written before for any of the great Quarterlies there may be in it turns of style & expression needing alteration—and I shall be most grateful, if—in passing thro’ your hands, it cd have the benefit of your experienced judgment in the way of reason. I try to make it as simple as may be. I have a short poem on hand for Dickens, wh as soon as I can finish the Review on B, I will complete & send to Engd. …

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Lord Cobbold.

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