5298. RB to Emelyn Story
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 316–317.
[London]
[December 1863] [1]
<***> [2] most tragical issues, I promise you.
It was stupid in me to give my letter to the Russells [3] —who did not go immediately, and perhaps are only at Turin by this time. But you must have been sure of my understanding entirely your proposal—the pure
<…>
And now,—about the “Bust”: [4] I shall tell you my mind, because you deserve it,—and so does Story, who knows my belief in his genius, and power to do whatever can be done: can this be done? In that face, which I shall not apply any epithet to, the inner light of the soul was used to fill up all deficiency, and—for me—transfigure all actually there: this light gone, what can replace it? A painter’s skill, perhaps, who can give a few leading points and leave the rest to fancy: but a sculptor must make all out—and his facts will be the dead facts—do you wish for these? I should turn away anxiously from such. I have been endeavouring to do this very thing, spite of my conviction of its impossibility,—with every help from photographs, pictures, and my memory—and Leighton’s skill, memory and affectionate zeal [5] —but it could not be, and I think never can. If you think otherwise, of course I will send the photograph you mention—but I want you, in our common interest, to consider well before you begin what—I much fear—will only end disastrously. Story will do his utmost—as no one will—but! and then we shall all be sorry. Now decide—and understand that if I am wrong, it is a happy chance indeed. Give those dear friends my old love: I am going to write in a day or two, when Pen’s letter of gratitude [6] can accompany mine—Edith will know for what. You may also safely give something very like my love to every stick or stone, much more man or woman, in Rome. Pen’s warmest remembrances, he bids me say. Arabel is very well. Mrs Robinson but poorly. [7]
Ever yours affectionately
R Browning.
Publication: BAF, pp. 137–138.
Manuscript: University of Texas.
1. Dated by RB’s reference to his letter sent via the Russells (letter 5295), which is also mentioned in letter 5296.
2. Part of the manuscript has been excised, resulting in loss of text here and below.
4. Of EBB. The commission was given to Story by George Moulton-Barrett during the latter’s recent visit to Rome. Story completed a clay model the following April, and George subsequently ordered a marble copy, which was completed by April 1865. George later presented the bust to Pen; it is now at Smith College, Northampton, Mass.
6. For slippers from Edith, mentioned at the end of letter 5296.
7. Mary (“Minny”) Robinson (1785–1864); see letter 2717, note 10.
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