1083. Mary Russell Mitford to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 6, 215.
Three Mile Cross,
Dec. 11, 1842.
My dear Friend,
All is over—my dear, dear father breathed his last at six o’clock this morning, without a struggle or a sigh. He had been speechless for many hours. All that you say is right, my beloved friend; and I will try to bear up as you would have me—I will, indeed. I am not ill, except from shiverings, which come across me whether up or in bed. But they are merely nervous, Mr. May says, and will subside after a little while. It is selfish to wish him alive again, unless he could be well as he used to be. I must pray for submission. I am so sure of his happiness! So would you be if you could see him. Mr. Harrison, Mr. May’s partner, has written to request permission to take a cast of his face. It is full of heavenly calm; and, if Mr. Harrison succeeds, I shall be most thankful to possess such a memorial. [1] A friend and neighbour is coming this afternoon for a few hours, and I expect George Dawson to-morrow. So that I am well seen to. Heaven bless you, my beloved friend! Thank you for all your goodness.
Ever yours,
M.R.M.
Text: L’Estrange (2), III, 166.
1. The Berkshire Chronicle of 17 December 1842, referring to Miss Mitford’s having given permission for a cast to be taken, said “We understand … that Signor Valentini, a modeller of great ability who is making a temporary sojourn here, is about to produce copies from the cast, which will give a most faithful and striking resemblance of the strongly-developed and characteristic features of the late Dr. Mitford.” The issue of 24 December reported that “We have had an opportunity of inspecting Mr. Valentini’s bust of Dr. Mitford … and can speak highly of its spirit and fidelity of resemblance to the original.”
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