4289. EBB to Sophia Eckley

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 298.

[Rome]

[early December 1858] [1]

Your kindest dearest Sophie, what shall I say?– That I am the better for your note– That will do. It is true indeed.

Yes, a terrible day. And you heard the thunder? As if it would break this egg-shell of the earth.

There was no one here last night, & I went to bed taking a book very early,—because Robert was out. The children being at the Coliseum so late yesterday filled my dreams with fever, but Peni is well today, & so must Doady be since you dont mention him.

May God bless you, dear, dear, & hold you on to loving me since I count that among my blessings.

Your loving

Ba—

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Dating based on EBB’s reference to her and Mrs. Eckley’s boys “at the Coliseum so late.” EBB mentions this occurrence to Sarianna in letter 4294.

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