4109. EBB to Isa Blagden

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 24, 237–238.

[Florence]

[late December 1857] [1]

Your note comes at dinner, my dearest Isa– What was there to answer of yours yesterday? I cant think .. unless perhaps,—you would have directly the translation of “in the heart” .. which is, εν τη καρδια. Can you make out my Greek? My hand shakes so.

Dear, I shall run out now to ascertain from your maid how you are since yesterday– Certainly the children could not have assisted you towards convalescence. You wish for England? But, dear Isa, after all, what does England represent to you in the way of close friends? Charlotte & Laura [2] were not so much to you in Italy that they should make England all– Still, I can conceive of any revolt from Florence just now–

Only I keep my hopes– A little time, & the cloud must go, dear– [3] May God bless you & love you, dear dearest Isa–

In dear love your

Ba–

Peni was very happy yesterday. How good you are!–

Publication: B-IB, pp. 140–141.

Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.

1. Dated by EBB’s reference to Isa Blagden’s desire to leave Florence, which is also discussed in letter 4107.

2. Charlotte Agassiz (1822–1900) and Laura Getting (1817–94).

3. Presumably, EBB alludes to Robert Bulwer Lytton. The following month, she writes to Isa that he has been “acting even below the par of the ordinary male creature. A wretched, ungrateful .. what shall I say? Better leave it & say nothing” ([mid-January 1858], ms at Fitzwilliam).

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