4337. EBB to Sophia Eckley

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 65–66.

[Rome]

[late February 1859] [1]

Thank you, thank you, dearest Sophie. That ‘Ba’ looks natural & dear– Better than in that picture of Mr Talfourd.

The picture simply ‘promises’: it is all.

Dear—what do you fancy. This is what was said to me at the séance. By her, [2] understand, “Everybody is so anxious about the picture– Everybody wants photographs.”

“And may I ask who everybody is”—said I.

“Oh—a great many people, Dear. There’s Mrs Bruen for one! And I’ve promised everybody photographs.” .. “What! everybody in Rome? Well, that will complete your ruin– I do hope you wont be so very foolish–”

“Dear, I shall give one to your sister” …

“Indeed you shant. I shall give one to my own sister–”

“Oh—but I hope you will let me do it. Then I shall send some to Mr Ruskin[”] .....

“Some to Mr Ruskin,” echoed I.

“Yes—one for himself, & others for him to give away– And then I promised one to Mrs Bruen” &c &c &c &c

This was the sort of talk during the sitting– Its the only time I ever heard of Mrs Bruen & my portrait in conjunction! Dearest Sophie– My christianity does not embrace the world as capaciously as you suppose–

Here’s Pietro impatient. I must’nt keep him. I love you truly—whether in the ‘crowd’ or in the desert–

And where’s my photograph pray? Your’s I mean– Both vanished, & the original with them, from

your loving

Ba!

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Approximate dating based on EBB’s discussion of the portrait by Talfourd in terms that suggest it was nearing completion. In letter 4346 she indicates that the portrait has been completed.

2. i.e., Ellen Heaton. “The séance” refers to the sitting for Field Talfourd.

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