4344. EBB to Sophia Eckley

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 69.

[Rome]

[ca. March 1859] [1]

Ever dearest Sophia, Fanny Haworth sits by me while I write, but all my heart goes to you while I grieve you should be so unwell– Dear,—was it not the wind yesterday & the open hat, & my fault, .. keeping you out? Do be well– I send the mitten warm from the hand—& heart?——

For tomorrow, I have not courage for eight oclock– Shall you not go? You ought, I think–

If not, & if you incline to the magnetism, come–

Only take care of yourself, dear dear Sophie of mine–

Your loving Ba–

Take courage for the manifestations,—I say–

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Approximate dating suggested by EBB’s implication that she had been outdoors and by her reference to Fanny Haworth. At Rome in the first months of 1859, EBB remained indoors until late February. Miss Haworth arrived in Rome about 10 January and departed about 24 May 1859.

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