4138. EBB to Isa Blagden
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 51–52.
[Florence]
Thursday morning. [25 February 1858] [1]
I must write a little word to you my ever dearest Isa, to tell you how in this silence my love for you rather grows than wastes– I cant talk or write, you know, of some things. Only I have a faith in certain necessities of the future, which keep me from being altogether dejected by the present, saddening & humiliating as it is– There is an uneasiness, I see– But, dear, I will not use my influence against your dignity, .. I am as careful for that exactly as if you were my own sister,—and if you were my sister, I should wish you to act precisely as you now act, .. I approve absolutely,—and I insist against myself to guard myself for your sake, so that whatever movement is made towards you shall be spontaneous & not the result of persuasion of mine. Meanwhile let us have patience. That you have been perfectly blameless must remain a comfort to you .... if not to me– Let us have patience, both of us. I need not tell you the pain I have suffered & am suffering– It will not help your kindness to hear it– [2]
If these things do not end themselves, at any rate my first going out will be to your villa. But I hope, I hope .. I trust indeed …
Penini is himself again, thank God– He caught a fresh cold by running out on the terrace when he had recovered from his first attack. Very glad I am to hear of Annette.
I have seen scarcely anyone & heard nothing– My thoughts by day & night go your way– I have great notches all over my heart to think of you by–
May God bless you, my dearest Isa. Your ever loving Ba.
Publication: B-IB, pp. 145–146.
Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.
1. Dated by EBB’s use of the phrase “running out on the terrace” in regard to Pen’s relapse. She uses the identical phrase in letter 4137.
2. Further remarks concerning Robert Lytton.
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