3459. RB to Edward Sartoris

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 288–289.

Florence,

Aug. 24. ’54.

<My d> [1] ear Sartoris,

Are you repenting by this time of <your f>irst commission to me? The Carrier only makes <a tr>ansit once a week, he says—& then, I was de<lay>ed by somebody’s promise of getting me a <pocket> one-volume with good print to boot: but <after> all, Le Monnier’s in three portable tomes [2] <seem>s to suit your requirement best, I think, <and> you will receive it to-morrow accordingly. <I send> too Mrs Sartoris’ orris-root & the books wh I hoped to bring myself—but there is no <visit> to your Bagni for us, I am sorry to <say>: both of you must come & see Florence <and u>s, and make us the best amends. The <weat>her is not so intolerable, luckily—& <we> have outlived the lion’s month. [3] Do enjoy <you>rselves for all our sakes & remember my wife & myself for yours & Mrs Sartoris

ever very affectionately

Robert Browning–

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. The left side of the manuscript has been damaged, affecting text here and below.

2. Presumably, RB refers to the Greek lexicon Mrs. Sartoris requested in letter 3437, where she also asked for “two or three pieces of Orris root.” Le Monnier was, and is, one of the leading publishers in Florence.

3. The month of the zodiacal sign of Leo, 23 July to 22 August.

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