4129. EBB to Hiram Powers

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 31.

Casa Guidi.

Monday. [?1] [February 1858] [1]

It is on every account a vexation to me, dear Mr Powers that I must write to tell you of my husband’s being too unwell with a feverish cold, to go to you this evening. Indeed he has been in bed all day, & is unable to even think of social pleasures, except to thank you for wishing to see him among you, enjoying yours–

As for me, I am in prison of course just now.

And you will come to see me sometime, wont you? I know you take me for a vile coward in matters of infection—but “hooping-cough” is not carried by a third person, and I am not vile enough to be afraid of quite nothing … which is the amount of my bravery perhaps, poor mother of one child!!

With affectionate remembrances to Mrs Powers, I remain

most truly yours

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Conjectural dating suggested by EBB’s reference to RB’s spending a day in bed due to illness. In letter 4122, EBB tells Sarianna that RB had recovered from a cold. In letter 4136, however, EBB writes that he had spent a day in bed because of influenza but is now well. Moreover, in letter 4135 RB writes that he had been ill “these three or four weeks.” The first Monday after letter 4122 fell on 1 February.

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