3362. Diomede Pantaleoni to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 148.

Rome

21. of March 1854

Dear Mr Browning

My opinion is that Mr Story would better continue his journey to Naples. The same reasons that obliged us to send Edith to Naples are more urgent than ever. It was in account of her disposition to the ague that she was obliged to leave Rome and the Environs– Now to give that up because another fit of ague came, in my opinion is an absurdity– I feel quite confident that the fever is now stopped with quinine, and I am pretty sure that the fever may be kept off with new administration of quinine for some while[.] In two or three days Edith will be quite strong again for her journey– I’ld meanwhile send immediately the Horses on to Terracina or if possible to Fondi or Itri– After the third day of the absence of fever I’ld go, as quickly as possible posting, to meet the Horses at Fondi or Itri, and then with them the same day to Molo di Gaeta. [1] If Edith is well I’ld go on and as quickly as possible be at Naples– At all events upon no consideration of any kind I’ld miss giving quinine (from 14 to 18 grains in four doses) the fifth—sixth day after the fever has left Edith—so she may be preserved for a week longer from the ague and meanwhile she may begin to feel the change of climate– Make my compts to the Storys and believe me

Yours very truly

D Pantaleoni MD.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Now known as Formia, a village not far from Gaeta, on the road to Naples. Fondi and Itri were stops between Terracina, a coastal town, and Formia.

___________________