Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, to Mrs Brown, 17 May 1861. 

Dear Mrs Brown,

       Miss Cootts’s and your kindness affect me even to sadness – That sadness, than which according to Pope’s famous couplet is “less pleasing”

                         “The broadest laugh unfeeling folly wears”

That same metrical authority says that – I forget what fit reasons better than Dr Clarke And the advice of friends and professional men will have had less effect on me I trust – I mean as to habits of life than several recent warnings – But I write this by no means in low spirits On the contrary, the friendship shewn in your note puts me in spirits –

      It was my intention before I received it to make an enquiry in Stratton Street – And that there may be no mistake – It is for Thursday the 23d Instt at ½ p 8 or before – There is no danger I think that I should fail again “after that fashion” – Another failure might arise which would partake of that human quality from which no human being may presume to be exempt tho’ some are more so than others –

       With my warmest thanks & regrets &c &c

                         H. C. Robinson

No address.

Text: Add. MS. 85291, f. 40, British Library.