4643. EBB to Isa Blagden
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 27, 265–266.
[Rome]
[6 April 1860] [1]
<***> re-constitution, of an Italian nation, from north to south & from sea to sea– Therefore it is that I call this annexation premature– [2] Later, the whole world would understand the need & the propriety–
Well—it is only a crinkling in the silk– [3] The rest is smooth. No other statesman than Louis Napoleon has thoughts in his brain– If he does not lead Europe there is none to lead Europe—& tyranny will take the head of anarchy–
Love to dear Kate– I hope to get some copies of my poems for her & others. She tells me that my ‘Curse for a nation’ which undoes me in England, will hurt me in America– So I was told when I first printed it there, years since– But let speaking the truth hurt one either here or there, one must speak it, if one is to speak what is worthy–
Isa dearest, tell me of anything vicious or much otherwise in the reviews– Here I see nothing. Kate mentions Daily News, Exam[iner]—&c. as all making the same mistake– Did they curse in return– [4]
The news in the streets today is that the Emperor forbids the pope’s receiving Lamoriciere—at least, desires him to be sent away– [5]
I was in St Peters yesterday, [6] & found it almost too much for me– No Sistine for me this year. [7] I am however well—& the weather is divine–
Your ever loving Ba–
Regards to Mrs Apthorp—and to Miss Cobb always–
Publication: B-IB, pp. 324–325.
Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.
1. Dated by EBB’s reference to visiting St. Peter’s “yesterday.” In letter 4642, she mentions “going today.”
2. EBB refers to the French annexation of Nice and Savoy.
3. Cf. Aurora Leigh, VIII, 1129.
4. Notices of Poems Before Congress appeared in The Examiner of 24 March 1860 (p. 181) and The Daily News of 29 March 1860 (p. 2). Although both reviewers felt that “A Curse for a Nation” was directed at England, neither cursed “in return.” The Examiner reviewer noted: “Selfish England having received better gifts than the present work from Mrs Browning, takes her friendly malediction in good part.” The writer for The Daily News declared: “Mrs. Browning … scolds us rather sharply; but it is the privilege of a lady to make rebuke itself one of the forms of love.” For the full texts of these reviews, see pp. 364–365.
5. An unfounded rumor; see letter 4639, note 9.
6. Holy Thursday.
7. The previous April she had visited the Sistine Chapel to hear a performance of the Miserere (see letter 4390).
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