1991.1016.343.2

Robert Browning (author)

Original of a letter to William Morris from Robert Browning, dated 7th June 1868 given by Morris to Emery Walker in 1894. Found inserted in the book, Gunnlaug The Worm-Tongue by Morris, W. when acquired by the museum, shelf V54 . Part of the Emery Walker Library.

London

1868-06-07 - 1868-06-07

Arts & Crafts

Letters to Morris from Browning and Wm Allingham given me by Morris 15.March 1894.Letter to William Morris from Robert Browning dated 7th June 1868. Found in ‘Gunnlaug the Worm-Tongue’ by William Morris 19. Warwick Crecent, Upper Westbourne Terrace, W. June 7. ’68. My dear Morris, Here is your book and at last, - and beautiful it proves: affecting me as much as do Handel’s fine “suites”, as he calls them, for the clavecin of his [day]: all the newer for their [archaic] tinge, all the more varied (to the appreciatorily observant) because of the continuous key and recurring forms, - the New masked in the Old and perpetually looking out of the eyeholes of its disguise. It is a double delight to me – to read such poetry, and know you, of all the world, with it, - you whose songs I used to sing while galloping by [Fusoli] in old days, “Ho, is thou [unreadable] will ride with me?” And now, quick, the second volume, - getting the rest ready at your best diligence! Ever affectionately yours Robert Browning[i]. Give my true congratulations to your wife. [There is an envelope with this item and with 1991.1016.343.a inscribed in pencil as follows:] Letters to Morris given me by Morris 15. March 1894 [The envelope bears a printed address:] The Chiswick Press, 21 Tooks Court, Chancery Lane, London, E.C. [Footnote: [i]Robert Browning (1812 – 1887), poet and playwright. CAW]