4226. EBB to Isa Blagden
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 200–201.
[Le Hâvre]
[ca. 8 August 1858] [1]
<***> very “clever”—it does not at least appear on the surface. But I like character better than cleverness, the latter sometimes belonging to the most commonplace people. Willie is a gentle kind boy, with those seraphic locks & eyes which please me; & Peni & he have dropt into a devoted friendship. They never quarrel—not for a moment—mark that. My love to Annette.
You will understand my deep interest in the supposed spirit-manifestation to poor Mrs Mackenzie. May the effect on her be lasting. Would that she had more evidence through stronger mediums, since there is such to be had in the world.
Dear, dear Mr Tennyson. [2] How good of him. How it touches me that he should care for me the least in the world!– You know what a feeling I have always had for him.
You are the kindest of Isas, you. You write delightful letters– Only, dear, dont ask the clairvoyantes about me– I beseech you, dont. At the time you mention I was not very well, but it was not “cold.”—there have been undevelopped conditions of cholera wandering about Havre, & of course I suffered, as is my way– The evil is passed, however– Did you try the table any more,—& with what result? Does Miss Shepherd believe in anything beyond magnetism?
Robert has had a good deal of bilious uncomfortableness since he came here, feeling quite sea-sick every now & then,—& this tendency increases of course by his resolve to take no exercise either on horse or foot. There’s nothing to amuse him & entice him here—he wont walk, he wont ride—he will only shoot with the pistol, .. &, let him hit the mouche [3] ever so victoriously, it does’nt make exercise, you know. Still there’s nothing very wrong—nothing nux does’nt remedy; but it would be wiser to act so as never to want nux.
The person who profits the most by Havre is Peni– Peni swims & swims, & grows & grows,—the red deepening on his cheeks– He enjoys everything very much, & I enjoy him. Dearest Isa, write directly, & forgive all this dulness– Robert will make amends for it I dare say– I love you with all my heart–
Yr Ba
Publication: B-IB, pp. 162–163.
Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.
1. This letter was evidently written after letter 4222, as RB’s biliousness is more fully discussed here, but prior to the arrival of EBB’s sister Arabella, which is not mentioned. The latter departed London for Le Havre on 13 August 1858 (see SD2194).
2. i.e., Frederick Tennyson.
3. “Bull’s-eye.”
___________________
