4385. EBB to Sophia Eckley

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 123.

[Rome]

[18 April 1859] [1]

You naughty dearest Sophie—what am I to say to you?– Robert says ‘Dont take it—it’s too much’– And I say, “It’s too much, & I will–”

There is a name & a thought! yes–

But now, dear dearest Sophie, let this be the very last thing of this kind that you overwhelm me with, because you give me pain––

No, I wont say any more– I love you, dear, dear, much,—& I take it from you for love’s sake– May God bless & keep you– You will have a thought following you tomorrow—& Robert is going to Tivoli—think of that, & I shall have revealed to me neither mortal nor spirit.

There will be none to comfort me, dear—unless Miss H. [2] comes!!——

Tell dear Mr Eckley that Robert cant walk with him tomorrow, as he goes to Tivoli, early, he & Peni—at eight, they say–

Lovingly yours always—

Ba–

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Date provided by EBB’s mention of RB & Pen’s excursion to Tivoli, which occurred on 19 April (see letter 4386).

2. Ellen Heaton.

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