2972. Thomas Carlyle to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 17, 154–155.
Chelsea,
28 Octr, 1851–
Dear Browning,
Here is the Mazzini Letter, [1] not achieved till last night, the Triumvir being busy with Kossuth [2] and other chaotic objects. [3] I observe he has given Mrs Browning the pas; which, apart from “place aux dames” [4] in general, is perhaps very suitable in such an Introduction. May it bring a little pleasure to both of you one day! Mazzini thinks a run out by railway, some day, to the place of Address [5] might be a welcome method. You will see better by inquiry where you are.
I believe I recollect your Avenue: spacious smooth road, mounting gently towards the Arc de l’Etoile; trees in front of the houses;—an altogether eligible place. If you will tell me whether you look to the South or the North (towards the River or away from it), [6] I shall, on this hypothesis of mine, be well able to conceive your whereabout, for I was there twice in my late travels. There is nothing mooted here of journeys to Paris or elsewhere; we have a feeling as of Greenland ships frozen in during this still season, and are very thankful for it (at least I am) after the jangling uproar of late months. Our weather, dark, dusty, smoky, windless and sunless, seems far inferior to yours; but that is an evil it were useless to rebel against. The profound isolation I often contrive to secure for myself is a great comparative blessing: the wearied ear, confounded with vain noises (I mean the spiritual ear withal), catches some touch of the “Eternal Silences,” [7] with amazement, with terror, joy, and almost horror and rapture blended; not able to express itself in any way,—except it was by a day’s good weeping somewhere;—and in the meanwhile waves passionately, to the Mérimées and Judges of the Industry of all Nations, “Procul este, O per Deos procul!”– [8]
—If I were to go to France, I think my next object wd be Normandy rather; to see the Bayeux Tapestry, the Grave of W. Conqueror, and the footsteps (chiefly Cathedrals I believe) of those huge old Kings of ours. I read a Ducarel (French Englishman of 1750) [9] the other week, who roused all my old aspirations for a while. But after all it is better to sit still.
—Pray take order with Moxon that I may see that little piece you have been doing. And get into another bigger quàm primùm! [10] You are not permitted to be silent much longer. Good be with that gentle lady and you!
Yours ever
T. Carlyle
Publication: Carlyle, 26, 219–220.
Manuscript: Yale University.
1. Of introduction to George Sand; see letter 2964.
2. Lajos Kossuth (1802–94), Hungarian revolutionary, was in England where he made a series of speeches championing the cause of republicanism.
3. At this time Mazzini was president of the National Italian Committee and a member of the revolutionary committee of Europe along with Kossuth and Ledru-Rollin.
4. “Ladies first.”
5. i.e., George Sand’s country residence, which is listed in the Brownings’ address book of this period as “Nohant, Près la Chatre, Indre”; see Appendix IV.
6. The Brownings’ apartment faced south, towards the Seine. See letter 2969.
7. Cf. Sartor Resartus (1838), in which Carlyle states: “Speech is of Time, Silence is of Eternity” (p. 227).
8. “Away, Oh for Gods’ sake, away!” Cf. Virgil, Æneid, VI, 258.
9. Andrew Coltée Ducarel (1713–85), an English antiquary born in Normandy, was the author of A Tour Through Normandy (1754), in which he describes the cenotaph of William the Conqueror in the Abbey of St. Stephen at Caen. He also gives an account of visiting Bayeux where he saw the historical tapestry depicting events in the life of King Harold II.
10. “As soon as possible.”
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