3279. EBB to Isa Blagden
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 19, 326–327.
Casa Guidi–
Oct. 31– [1853] [1]
Thank you my dearest Isa, for your extreme kindness .. & trouble, I fear—the trouble too must have been extreme. Now, if we have tired you to near death, what are we to say & feel–
Dear Isa, as to terms .. we want to give just as little as possible. We had a sort of hope that thirty scudi would be attainable terms—we will go, if hard pressed, though very reluctantly as high as thirty five. And you are to understand, and I should have explained at first, that we dont want linen & plate—we bring our own—and that we are ready to take the apartment for six months at a sweep.
We hear of rooms in a house occupied by Dr Pantaleone [2] at the corner of Via Babuino, piazza di Spagna, which would probably suit us. We wish particularly to know if this is the case. Will you find out for us? Robert must have a dressing room which he could sit & write in as well,—dear Isa, see to that. I feel like somebody making thrusts with a sword & at every stroke overwhelming the victim with excuses. Certainly I shall slay you with all this trouble.
We mean to eschew the hotel in spite of your advice, holding hotels in abomination– No, we shall be pleased with the best you can do for us & accept it gratefully.
Much I have to say to you—but behold, the days are shortened & presently I shall be sitting close to you on some sort of sofa talking in the old way. So very glad I shall be to see you & hear you again—& so very very glad I am that you should care to see me–
In the apartment you mentioned as being Mr Greenough’s, [3] could they give us another room for Robert?—and would they come down as to terms, excluding plate & linen, do you think? We must have a situation not too much out of the way, & with sun! Admire my “musts” .. The Czar’s dont serve him very well. [4]
Now I “must” break off, says Robert, not to lose the post– I am running like a racehorse.
Your ever affectionate & thankful
Ba
Robert’s kindest love, he dictates.
Address, on integral page: All’Illustrissima / Signorina Blagden / Via Gregoriana. 13. / Roma / 2d piano.
Publication: B-IB, pp. 45–46.
Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.
1. Year supplied by postmark.
2. Diomede Pantaleoni (1810–85), at 107 Via del Babuino, is described and recommended in Murray’s A Handbook for Travellers in Central Italy (1853) as “an eminent Italian physician, who has lived much in England, speaks our language perfectly, and practises much among our countrymen” (part II, p. 7).
3. Richard Saltonstall Greenough (1819–1904), American sculptor and younger brother of Horatio Greenough, had been living and working in Rome since 1848. He and his family returned to the United States in August 1853.
4. Following numerous Russian threats and provocations, including the occupation of Ottoman territory, Turkey declared war on 4 October. Consequently, Czar Nicholas I found himself completely isolated in the European community.
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