3541. EBB to Isa Blagden
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 21, 130–131.
[Florence]
[early April 1855] [1]
I can only say, dearest Isa, that we are both deeply grateful for your kindest of propositions. [2] At present Robert is only in the stage of conscientious scruple—“How can he do such a thing?—Isa, with so much to do!—& so little time!?” And strength .. he might add. Indeed, dear, it seems to me that only your kindness is all-sufficient– The hand-writing is perfect, of course. And the poem—shall I tell you what Robert said of the poem– “Really I like it– But how extraordinary of Isa! I should have taken her to have had a leaning to philosophical poetry, instead of being so prodigieusement leste.”! [3] I leave you that to brood over like the dove you are!– [4]
As to Penini, it is’nt to be thought of, Robert says. How unpaternal, to have so much good sense! For my part I’ve none of it.
I want to have the bridal party here with you—the two brides & the bridegroom. [5] How am I to get at them without giving anybody any trouble!
We have been to Mr Kirkup’s– I saw Regina for an instant & she kissed me fervidly .. in the flesh & the spirit together, the movement coming entirely from her. She likes me. I begged Mr Kirkup to petition the spirits to come here and rap .. but he seemed to think that they shrunk from Robert’s incredulity. He is to ask however.
We should have gone on to you, if it had not been that I was tired.
Ever your affectionate Ba–
Publication: B-IB, pp. 71–72.
Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.
1. Dating based on EBB’s reference to Isa’s “kindest of propositions” (see note 2).
2. Isa offered to act as amanuensis for RB while he prepared Men and Women for publication. Doubtless, Isa’s transcript served as the printer’s copy for Men and Women; it has never surfaced.
3. “Wonderfully light.” We have been unable to identify Isa’s poem.
4. Cf. Wordsworth, “Resolution and Independence” (1807), line 5.
5. Achille Gennarelli, though he and Miss Agassiz did not marry (see letter 3533, note 13). “Two brides” is taken to be a humorous reference to Charlotte Agassiz and her friend Laura Getting. The closeness of their friendship is indicated by the latter’s will in which she bequeaths to “Charlotte Louisa Brice … all my money in the Post Office Savings Bank” (25 April 1893, London Probate Registry).
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