4313. EBB to Sophia Eckley

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 16–17.

[Rome]

[ca. 6 January 1859] [1]

Ever dearest Sophie, so I am not to be darkened .. which I call lightened! Pen & I look aghast at one another. He is better, dear—only I persist in keeping him in, because there is still a cough & the cold pierces in to me through the walls–

Dear, you have been vexed– But I dont think it was “calculation & hypocrisy[”]– Rather it may be weakness & uncertainty of opinion. She professed to me, at Florence a full belief– I do not think it was assumed.

But why be vexed?– The world is made so: and we should rather thank God for ourselves that we have some power of truth & some steady belief in us, than turn away from others in too much disgust– Should’nt we?

At any rate .. here is Mrs B. & Mrs P. announced! [2] Let me try my philosophy– And you take courage dearest Sophie, & love your ever loving

Ba—

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Approximate dating based on EBB’s reference to Pen’s cough, which began a day or two into the new year (see letter 4306). The cough occurred only “now & then,” as of letter 4308, and seems to have disappeared by letter 4319.

2. Presumably Mary Ann Bruen and her daughter Frances Davenport Perkins (see letter 4126, note 2).

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