3438. EBB to Isa Blagden
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 251.
Casa Guidi.
June 30– [1854] [1]
My dearest Isa
We understand (by mesmerical means of course) that this is a mystical day. [2] We had thought to go to you & surprise you, but as you are engaged for the evening (so we hear), it seems better to say upon paper .. or try to say .. how much happiness & life we wish you .. life .. being with you the opportunity of making others happy—& how much love from the bottom of our hearts we owe you. In remembrance of the last, will you let this little inkstand remain on your table?
Dearest Isa, dont let Penini teaze you too much. Send him away early, do– He shed some ‘natural tears’ [3] at the rain yesterday morning, which interfered with his dreams for the day–
We have had a note from Hatty & send it you to see how soon she is coming. As for us our letter may come today, &, if not, we must make up our minds for Lucca at once I suppose though really the weather does not drive us from Florence with the heat of it. Robert says, will you say a word for us to your banker here about Hatty’s parcel which does’nt reach us–
May God bless you! Love your
ever affectionate
Ba
Publication: B-IB, p. 56.
Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.
1. Year provided by EBB’s reference to Harriet Hosmer, who spent much of the summer of 1854 as Isa’s guest at Villa Moutier.
2. An allusion to Isa’s birthday, probably her 38th.
3. Paradise Lost, XII, 645.
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