3993. RB to Edward Twisleton
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 24, 62.
Florence,
Apr. 30. ’57.
My dear Mr Twisleton,
Your copy of “Cromwell” is done at last: [1] you must have lost patience, I fear, at the long delay: but they keep no artist waiting now-a-days, and this artist has taken particular pains beside. I saw his work in progress—& it seemed very satisfactory: I think I may say nobody in Florence would have done it better, if so well—he having copied the picture repeatedly. I proposed to pay half the sum at once, as you authorized me to do—but he preferred working first. His price will be 50 dollars [2] —the dollar being of the present low rate of exchange .. or to state it better—the £. sterling being worth 43 pauls, I suppose that his fifty dollars will represent something like £11.12s If you will give me the name of your Banker,—Mr Mignaty shall draw on you for that sum, or whatever it may be more or less within a fraction: or an ordinary cheque may do as well. The picture shall be sent to your house directly by the most expeditious carrier—and so, what remains but the hope your friend [3] may be pleased with his purchase?
I delayed writing in order to do so with some “estro” [4] —for we have had a melancholy winter of it with a succession of losses: now comes a calamity to my wife,—the unexpected death of her Father. She is recovering, however, as fast as I could expect: she bids me send her love to Mrs Twisleton, & kind regards to you along with mine. We shall be happy to hear from you.
Faithfully yours ever,
Robert Browning.
M. Mignaty’s address is Casa Fenzi, Via Larga.
Address: The / Hon. Edward Twisleton / 3 Rutland Gate, Hyde Park, / London S.W.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Harvard University.
1. Peter Lely’s portrait of Oliver Cromwell, copied by George Mignaty (see letter 3961, note 4).
2. More formally known as Spanish or Roman dollars, one was equivalent to about nine and a half Tuscan pauls.
3. The painting was intended for a Mr. Adderley (see letter 3995, note 2).
4. “Inspiration.”
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