5269. RB to Frederic Leighton
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 284.
chez M. Laraison, Ste Marie, près Pornic
(Loire Inférieure)
Aug. 17. ’63
Dear Leighton,
I can only say,—and keep saying,—thank you from my heart—but you understand. I try in vain to guess,—at this distance from London,—who may be going to Florence now or soon: if there were any way of sending the design by post or carriage the matter would be simple enough. Mr Guastalla, [1] a friend of the Trollopes, told me, the day before I left London, that he should go to Florence in a few weeks. I enclose a word to Chapman who may be able to help somehow. Unluckily I believe we are in plenty of time, as no call has yet been made on me for the “first payment due when the marble should be in the sculptor’s studio.” [2] I expected more promptitude in that part of the business, certainly. If Arthur Russell happens to hear of anybody goodnatured enough to carry the designs,—we are sure of his kindness, you know. They should be directed to “Count Cottrell, Casa Maquay, Via del Maglio.”
As for your apprehensions about the medallion—whatever you do will be dear and good. I daresay that I can send it early in October by George Barrett who goes to Rome for the winter: but conveyances will be easily found at that time.
I wish for your own sake you were not kept at work in the heat which must be terrible. I am with my Father, Sister, & Pen in the same house as we had last year—all of us flourishing. Pen swims famously, makes sketches and otherwise amuses himself. His love to you goes with that of
Yours affectionately ever,
Robert Browning.
I tell Chapman to send you the 3d Volume, [3] which is to be out next month. I live upon milk and fruit, bathe daily, do a good morning’s work, read a little with Pen and somewhat more by myself, go to bed early and get up earlyish,—rather liking it all. Love to Mrs Sartoris, if you see her.
Publication: Orr, p. 255 (in part).
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Marco Guastalla, Italian physician and antiquary, was a prime mover in the conversion of Florence’s Bargello into a national museum, which opened to visitors in 1865.
2. The sculptor was Francesco Giovannozzi (b. 1802), as later identified by RB, who spells the last name with one “n.”
3. Of Poetical Works (1863). Volume one is inscribed by RB: “Frederick [sic] Leighton—from his affectionately ever, R.B., London, July, ’63” (see Reconstruction, C470; now with Meredith).
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