3329. EBB to Anne Braun

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 85.

[Rome]

[February 1854] [1]

My dearest Mdme Braun, when your note came Robert had just finished an exhortation to me against risking my life in such cold air, for the sake of even you & all the music of all the angels!– Your information closes the case, I fear– You see, we have no chance of a mild evening, and it would be very wrong of me really to attempt to walk the necessary distance. [2]

Well—it is a disappointment—but do let me say to you that your kindness to me, shown in all the trouble you have taken today for my sake, leaves the last impression most pleasant—pleasanter to my heart than your Mr De Witt’s [3] spherical music could have been to my ears! Robert will go to you of course.

Ever your affectionate

EBB–

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Eton College Library, Michael Meredith Collection.

1. Dating suggested by EBB’s references to the “cold air” and “Mr. De Witt.” In letter 3349, EBB remarks on the cold weather of three weeks, though two days before it was mild enough to attend a recital by de Witt.

2. The Brauns’ apartment in Casa Tarpeia (named for its proximity to the Tarpeian Rock) was situated on the Capitoline Hill, a distance of about a mile from the Brownings’ apartment.

3. Theodor de Witt (1823–55), German musical editor and composer, had removed to Rome in 1850 for the sake of his health. The Brownings heard de Witt a few weeks later, as indicated in letter 3349.

___________________