5451. RB to Sophia Landor
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 131–132.
Maison Gastonbide, Plage des Basques,
Biarritz, Basses Pyrénées
Sept. 25. ’64.
Dear Miss Landor,
You will in all likelihood have been informed before this can reach you, of what, by some delay, is only this moment communicated to me in a letter from Made Romagnuoli—the news of the release of poor Mr Landor from all further pain and trouble on the 17th at about 12 o’clock: “he had been more than usually unwell this last week, but would not see a doctor till yesterday: Dr Wilson is in Germany, so we got Dr Frazer [1] —but he continued to grow worse, could not swallow anything, and this morning, in the most quiet, tranquil way, departed this life. His Sons have come and ordered the Funeral and I sent Ferdinando to Count Cottrell. I believe he will be buried on Monday.” [2] These words are all that she writes at present. What can I add to them?
I am supposing that there is no danger of any shock to you from my communicating the news as abruptly as I have done—it cannot well be that you are thus long in ignorance of it. My letter was even kept here in the town four & twenty hours (I see by the post-mark) before delivery.
I am really too full of the many thoughts that are borne in upon me by this event, to say anything about it. It is one of the most gifted souls the world ever produced that has thus passed away; all the weaknesses drop at once, and what grandeur remains!
I shall write immediately to Florence, and whatever I learn, you may depend upon receiving. Mr Landor’s Will, the only real one, (of which Mr W. Landor of Rugel[e]y has a duplicate, executed in English form) is to be found where I caused it to be deposited according to Tuscan Law. I left a memorandum on the subject with my friend Cottrell,—to whom Made R. has had recourse, as I directed. A fantastic “will”—of no value—was sent to me two years ago,—I kept it, since it was called a will,—and you shall have it on my return to London which will be in about a fortnight. I will endeavour to close my accounts, and settle with you as soon as possible: I daresay there will be calls on us, even yet, for the last expenses.
How earnestly I hope that this passage out of darkness and decay into light and life, will not press unduly upon those noble relatives who have deserved that reward which their own consciousness will at once supply. Assure them of my deep sympathy, however unnecessary the assurance; and you, dear Miss Landor, with your sister, [3] will understand what a pride it must ever be to me that I have been associated so long with your feelings, and instrumental in the communication of so much kindness. You must employ me to the end if you think I can be of the slightest further service,—that I scarcely need say.
I have said, I think, that I stay here in all probability till Oct. 6th—then return to Paris (151. Rue de Grenelle, Faubg St Germain) and finally to London, (19 Warwick Crescent, Upper Westbourne Terrace,) about a week after.
Ever yours most faithfully
R Browning.
Address: Angleterre. / Miss Landor, / Tachebrooke, / near Leamington.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library, Michael Meredith Collection (envelope); and Yale University.
1. Roderick Fraser (1815–80), Scottish physician, who practiced in Florence from 1862.
2. Walter Savage Landor (1775–1864) died on Saturday, September 17th and was buried two days later in the Protestant Cemetery, Florence.
3. Catherine Mary Landor (1817–92); see letter 4214, note 3.
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