2782. EBB to Sarianna Browning

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 15, 245–246.

[Florence]

[Postmark: 1 April 1849]

I do indeed from the bottom of my heart, pity you & grieve with you my dearest Sarianna. I may grieve with you as well as for you, .. for I, too, have lost—. Believe that though I never saw her face, I loved that pure & tender spirit (tender to me even at this distance) & that she will be dear & sacred to me to the end of my own life.

Dearest Sarianna, I thank you for your consideration & admirable self-controul in writing those letters– I do thank & bless you. If the news had come unbroken by such precaution, to my poor darling Robert, it would have nearly killed him, I think– As it is, he has been able to cry from the first, and I am able to tell you that though dreadfully affected of course, for you know his passionate love for Her, he is better & calmer now—much better. He & I dwell on the hope that you & your dear father will come to us at once. Come—dear, dear Sarianna. I will at least love you as you deserve .. you & him .. if I can do no more– If you wd comfort Robert, come.

No day has passed since our marriage, that he has not fondly talked of Her– I know how deep in his dear heart, her memory lies. God comfort you, my dearest Sarianna– The blessing of blessed duties heroically fulfilled, must be with you– May the blessing of the Blessed in Heaven be added to the rest.

Robert stops me– My dear love to your father–

your ever attached sister

Ba–

Address, on integral page, in RB’s hand: Angleterre viâ France. / Miss Browning / New Cross, Hatcham / Surrey, / near London.

Publication: LEBB, I, 396–397.

Manuscript: Lilly Library.

___________________