4585. RB to Isa Blagden
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 27, 153–154.
Via del Tritone 28.
[28 January 1860] [1]
Dearest Isa,
I did not know Ba was writing two days ago or I would have slipped in my contribution. All thanks for the books which came safely. [2] Ba has been very ill indeed but is decidedly better now,—though very weak: so long as the cough continued harassing, it was not advisable to try & strengthen her, much as she needs it—but we may begin now, little by little, and I hope the end will be her complete restoration to the state of three weeks ago: all the evil came of a silly visit we made together to Castellani’s where the famous swords were on show for the last time– I urged her to go, like the fool I was—and she caught cold on the stairs, here or there,—all which is pleasant to think of. Has she written to Dr Grisonowski to thank him for his extremely kind letter? I know she intended doing so. Love back again, twice or thrice round, & a good bit over to Miss Field,—I know Ba must have said or written that in her note to you.
Are you really coming to Rome in February? That will be good indeed. Miss Cushman & Hatty always ask about you and hope to see you—I don’t see much of the latter puss,—she keeps the house, fears colds, and catches them all the same. I called on dear old Gibson, blue velvet cap & all, yesterday and saw his Hebe—his last work, still in progress. [3] Talking of work, Ba’s proofs are on the road and, I expect, will arrive tomorrow: she sent off two additional poems, since the first consignment [4] Chapman dont say a word beyond hoping, for her sake, that the apartments in the Castle of St Angelo are comfortable: [5] I dare say he is a rifleman, [6] sees thro’ our astute ally, & so on—& swallows these potions of notions with a wry face. Ba don’t care,—and I think she has a right to say her say.
Dear Isa,—if there is any possibility of sending my picture, [7] don’t forget me: Mrs Stow[e], for instance, writes to me that she will be here early in February—but I don’t venture to ask such a favor,—only you might incidentally find out whether the trouble would be too great,—for, after all, she takes the sea. The Artist is very anxious to have the picture & finish it.
Goodbye, dearest Isa: kind remembrances to the Cottrells, the Trollopes, Boot[t] & Grisonowsky & Jarves. Write and give us all the pleasure you can. Chapman says “Lytton’s poem will soon be out [8] —but he is a terrible fellow for corrections, worse even than his father.” Ever yours most affectionately,
Robert Browning.
Publication: B-IB, pp. 281–282.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Dated by RB’s reference to letter 4582 in the first sentence.
2. Presumably the books requested at the end of letter 4567.
3. Gibson’s biographer cites the sculptor’s recollection of “Hebe” as follows: “During the winter of 1860 I was much employed in modelling a figure of Hebe. The commission was given me nearly three years ago by Mr. Howard Galton, who ordered me to colour it; which I did with great pleasure. … Some persons have said that my Hebe is the best female statue I have modelled. I must confess that I had pleased myself with this Goddess of Youth. She is about sixteen ‘Hebe, ever fair and ever young’” (Thomas Matthews, The Biography of John Gibson, R.A., Sculptor, Rome, 1911, p. 227).
4. “The Dance” (see letter 4582, note 9) and either “An August Voice” or “Christmas Gifts,” sent with letter 4572.
5. The papal prison (see letter 4330, note 15).
6. i.e., a member of the Volunteer Rifle Corps (see letter 4417, note 18).
7. The portrait by Hamilton Gibbs Wild of Pen on his pony (see letter 4499, note 3).
8. Lucile (see letter 4537, note 4).
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