4716. EBB to Isa Blagden

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 87–88.

[Siena]

[ca. August 1860] [1]

One word my dearest dear Isa to say how glad I am– But dear, dont let them drag your book to pieces– Yield as to the money—& hold to the rest—that is, unless you have a conviction yourself as to the reasonableness of giving way–

Believe me, my Isa—any good fortune happening to you must be the same as if it happened to me,—& more than the same—just as love is more & deeper than any self love.

May God bless you– Yes, come. I am not up to the Storys tonight, & shall stay at home if possible.

May God bless you, dear dear. No letter to make me easier this morning– [2] But perhaps it was scarcely to be expected.

Public news seems very promising–

Your attached (as ever)

Ba–

Publication: B-IB, p. 360.

Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.

1. Approximate dating based on the implication that the Storys, the Brownings, and Isa are in the same place (i.e., Siena, where they all resided from early July until approximately the end of September 1860) and EBB’s mention of her anxiety about hearing news of Henrietta.

2. About Henrietta.

___________________