5426. Sophia Landor to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 95–96.
Tachbrooke. Leamington
27th July [1864] [1]
My dear Sir
I hasten to use the first moments I can, to thank you for your letter, received this morning, in the hope mine may reach you before you leave England. Thank you most Sincerely, again & many times again, in the names of all concerned, for your long continued & unwearied kindness: it is indeed 5 years that you have so kindly & patiently borne this unpleasant charge: [2] do not speak of any little I have done, it has really been nothing on my own part, I have merely been a medium of communication, for those who are thankful they have been able to find the means of providing needful comforts for their Brother’s old age; but you had no such tie as we had & you have done far more for him than we all cd do & I rejoice that you may truly feel that your goodness has been successful, beyond anything I dared to hope. I trust, most sincerely, it may now continue to the end. I will confess I have been rather anxiously looking for your halfyearly report, various rumours having reached me of his very failing state. One friend, who saw him about a month ago, spoke of him as being so extremely feeble it seemed scarcely possible he cd survive the summer; but free from pain or illness of any kind, & in so tranquil & benevolent a state of mind, that it seemed to me the strongest indication of failing power: but since that, letters have been received from him written with much of his former spirit & alas, too much of former feelings which one wd gladly see altered. I hear that his two younger Sons are very attentive to him & see him daily, other friends also are very kind, but I suppose his deafness now makes intercourse very difficult. Of course you are aware that he has changed his Lodgings, when, I do not know, but I fancy in the spring, his address now is, 93 Via della Chiesa, [3] the present Lodgings are described as less attractive than the former, but cool & quiet, & he seems well satisfied, & well supplied with all he desires. As he keeps so well within his income, we cannot grudge a little increase of rent or a slight indulgence in his favorite pursuit, the purchase of Pictures. I remember you wrote to me of a probable change of Lodgings in May; I dare say he then went to his present abode. I am surprised & sorry to hear Mr Kirkup’s report of my Cousin Arnold: when he was in England 16 or 17 years ago, he gave proof of so many amiable qualities, we were full of hope he wd turn out well & I cannot but grieve at the utter annihilation of such fair promise. I wish Carlino [4] were the second Son; I cannot think well of Walter but I hope Carlino is deserving of our better opinion. I am sorry to say I cannot report very well of my Uncle Henry: I think he is affected by the heat, he has been very far from well lately; tho’ not giving cause for any special anxiety. My Uncle Robert has been wonderfully well this summer. My dear Sister, also, is very well. I heartily wish you much enjoyment from your visit to France & hope you will have the happiness of finding your Father in good health.
Accept most grateful regards from my Uncles & myself & believe me ever
Very sincerely Yrs
Elizth Sophia Landor
Address: Robert Browning Esqre / 19. Warwick Crescent / Upper Westbourne Terrace / London (W.).
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Yale University.
1. Year provided by postmark.
3. As RB points out in letter 5441, only the street name and number had changed.
4. i.e., Charles Savage Landor (1825–1917), the third and youngest son of Walter Savage Landor.
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