5100. Walter Savage Landor to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 109.
[Florence]
[ca. 20 July 1862] [1]
Dear Browning, my good landlady [2] this morning, tells me that you read in the Times that I have been in Rome[.] [3] It would be difficult for me to reach Rome with three lire—all that have been there these five months, and all that there will be in five more. In the middle of the month I must pay a debt of 3 or 4£. My two sons will supply it if my brother will not. I shall not ask him.– I am so weak I can not climb the step of a carriage, and am lifted in and out by my son Charles once a week. My dear kind friend the Countess [4] is in the country, and will not return until october. Kirkup comes often to visit me. I can scarcely wish it—we are both as deaf as posts—and it brings me the bronchitis to speak audibly. When you write to Story remember me to him. Newby sent me the 2nd proofsheet 4 months ago, none since. [5] Yesterday I wrote him my opinion of this behaviour.
Ever sincerely yours
W S. Landor
Our good clergyman O’Neil [6] has called and taken leave. He does not return to Florence. I do not expect to see another friend on this side of the grave[.]
The Letter is mine—it was sent to Walker—for the Times—but the signature was not for the Times, but for him.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library, Gordon N. Ray Bequest.
1. Approximate dating based on RB’s quoting from this letter in letter 5101.
2. Wilson.
4. Countess Baldelli (see letter 5012, note 6).
5. For Heroic Idyls (1863).
6. Henry O’Neill (1804–84), chaplain of the English Church at Florence from 1851 to 1863.
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