4296. EBB to Sophia Eckley

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 314.

[Rome]

[24 December 1858] [1]

Dearest Sophie, I am not equal to sitting from seven in St Peter’s– It is hard for me, dear– A little after eight,—say half past eight .. I might have my foot on the carriage step—but all those hours of waiting from the early morning would not be worth my attempting, particularly as I have heard it all before. It begins at ten, remember–

So dont wait for me, dear—if really the earlier hour is necessary–

In all love your

Ba–

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Date provided by what are evidently plans to attend Mass at St. Peter’s on Christmas. In letter 4297 EBB reports that she was able to go out on Christmas morning “to St Peters to hear the grand mass.”

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