4529. Walter Savage Landor to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 27, 48–49.
[Florence]
[ca. 28 November 1859] [1]
I do not find in the box of books the following, left in the table drawer. There were several packages of letters—only two came.
There were two copybooks, containing my remarks, during two years.
There were two smaller books—one yellow, the other dark colored—pencil &c.
In the book-case I left the Ainsworth’s Dictionary a gradus [2] —&c–
I expected all the books that are in the drawing-room bookcase, many of them presents from the authors. I expected the book of drawings on the table of the drawing-room.
I would request my brothers to expostulate for me on the detention of these things, as they know there is nothing in the house but was bought by my money—but they have recieved the statement I made to Mr Arnold of my just complaints, of which he took no notice. Therefor they will have nothing more to do with any of the family. The attempts to defraud me of 160£ [3] which did not succeed, an[d] afterwards to rob me of ten, which did, were already known. Whatever expectations they may have had from them can be had no longer. My brothers are blest with relatives as near who never were wanting in affection or duty. It would be superfluous for me to make them acquainted with the gross unprovoked insults which drove me a third time from the house. They hear of all that passes concerning me. It will soon be over. I have less sleep and consequently less appetite than ever. I shall have been as much murdered as if I had been shot or poisoned. They who robbed an indulgent and helpless father are capable of either.
Ever truly yours
W S. Landor
Publication: BBIS-5, p. 53 (without assigned date).
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Approximate date based on Landor’s references to the contents of the “box of books” (see letter 4527).
2. Thesaurus linguæ Latinæ compendarius: or, a compendius Dictionary of the Latin Tongue, designed for the Use of the British Nations (2 vols., 1736) by Robert Ainsworth (1660–1743). In addition to an English-Latin, Latin-English dictionary, the work features a number of useful lists, including: “The ancient Latin Names of the more remarkable Persons and Places occurring in classic Authors, with a short Account of them both historical and mythological. … The Roman Calendar. … Coins, Weights, and Measures. … A Chronology of the Roman Kings, Consuls, and more remarkable Events of that State” (Thesaurus, I, title-page). “Ainsworth’s Dictionary” proved “extremely popular” and was re-issued in new editions and abridgements into the late nineteenth century (ODNB).
3. In letter 4527, Landor gives the amount as £150.
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