Correspondence

3199.  EBB to Jane Wills-Sandford

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 19, 86–87.

Casa Guidi.

Tuesday– [3 May 1853] [1]

I have your note my dear Miss Sandford—a pleasant last word, which is always sad too. Dont fancy that I can ever forget you—no indeed! You have been too affectionate to me .. come too near me .. and if I let you go, it will be because you make me. Which you wont do—will you? I am a very bad correspondent, but an excellent reader of letters. Will you write to me sometimes? And will you forgive me if I dont write to you long, regular letters?– May God bless you, dear friend! We shall both think of you, & wish for you from our hearts the best kind of happiness that you would prefer for yourself. As to London & life generally, take courage! Cant you carry silence & beauty & love inside your soul, so as to make a great hush in the street—? Take courage & patience. There is a burden for each of us,—& cheerful endurance is a healthy & holy thing. I seem to have stood very near you, & yet not quite to have touched you– You understand! May God bless you & love you & strengthen you—& reconcile you to life as He has fashioned it.

Little Penini sends you a kiss– He said last night when he wished us good night .. “Dood night, mine darlings! I hope gentle Jesus & all the angels will tate tare of Mama & Papa”. I assure you I had not been reading to him about the angels out of Swedenborg. I dont know where he gets his ideas—that child!–

Here is my letter to my sister Arabel, & she will be glad to get it for two reasons. [2]

Signorina Sarchi [3] came to see us—she has come twice .. & we were pleased with her vivacious gentle manner, & musical articulation. Still, I have’nt time for her just now– Perhaps presently.

Very sorry I am about the poor baby– But I wish you had said how Harry was looking, though he always looks well & like a small hero. [4]

I insisted on going out yesterday morning with my husband to Vieusseux’s before anybody else had arrived, .. to read the newspapers on our play. It seems to be a success .. & I am quite pleased.

Mr Lytton came last night (to announce that a table had been moved in Florence!) & we told him “how sweet a child he had been,” .. which threw him into a state of melancholy musing on the changes & vicissitudes of human life.

Now, goodbye. Offer our best regards to Mr Sandford .. & all your family—and never cease to think of me as

your sincerely affectionate

Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

The Signorina spoke of you most appreciatingly—& we liked her for that in particular.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Date provided by EBB’s references to “yesterday morning” at Vieusseux’s and Lytton’s announcement concerning a table being moved, which echo similar references in letter 3198.

2. One being to hear from her sister; the other, to meet Miss Wills-Sandford, who would be delivering the letter, and who carried EBB’s “note of introduction” (see the third paragraph in letter 3195).

3. Unidentified.

4. Harry Wills-Sandford (1850–72), son of Jane’s brother William Sandford Wills-Sandford (1822–82). The “poor baby” was Harry’s sister Florence Mary (1852–1911).

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