2745. Xaviera Wiseman to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 15, 128.

Fano

Feast of St Bartholomew [24 August] 48 [1]

My dear Sir

You made me really happy by writing to me & contributed much to that feeling upon the perusal of your kind expressions by the assurance that neither Mrs Browning nor yourself had suffered any inconvenience during your excursion which considering the intense heat & the very scanty allowance of comfort which is to be met with in the italian Wine Shops misnamed Hotels surprised me. I regret much that we missed seeing you upon your return,—I trust that we may be more fortunate at some future & no very distant period––. The heat of the weather continues most inveterate & not in the least inclined to moderate, there is but a bad prospect for the lower classes for provisions promise a great scarcity– We are as humble as possible with regard to political warfare—the fear of the Austrians shewing themselves has completely cowed italian Valor of which there is no great stock from the teeth out[.]

I beg leave to correct a mistake which I made when in conversation with you– I said that no man was allowed by the law to swim without permission from the Police–

My daughter unites with me in kind wishes towards your amiable lady & yourself believe me dear Sir very much & truly

Yours

Xaviera Wiseman

Address, on integral page: Toscana / Monsieur / Monsieur Browning / Palazzo Guidi / Via Maggio / Fierenze [sic].

Docket, in RB’s hand: (from Cardinal Wiseman’s Mother) / RB. ’84.

Publication: BBIS-8, p. 29 (as [27 August 1848]).

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. The feast of St. Bartholomew is celebrated on 24 August.

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