Correspondence

4153.  EBB to Isa Blagden

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 80.

[Florence]

[ca. April 1858] [1]

My dearest Isa I am sorry most of all of course, for the cause of our disappointment tonight– You should not I think, take morphine by the inspiration of unauthentic spirits, as you may upset your whole digestive system by doing so– But the toothache is enough to torment one into an act of suicide in the crisis of it. I had a presentiment (or rather Robert had) that you would not come tonight. Give my love to Annette & thanks for her postscript. I congratulate both of you on Frolic’s recovery. Poor Fro– [2]

Robert seems doubtful whether he can go to you this evening, but he may, perhaps– Only dont shorten your drive on his account, as his going to you is so uncertain.

Ever your affectionate Ba–

Publication: B-IB, pp. 148–149.

Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.

1. This letter could fall anywhere between Annette Bracken’s arrival at Isa Blagden’s villa (February 1857) and the Brownings’ departure for France (1 July 1858). A later rather than earlier placement seems warranted in view of the reference to Frolic, who died in early September 1858.

2. Isa’s dog, Frolic, a King Charles spaniel.

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