5525. RB to Frederic Leighton

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 200–201.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace.

Jan. 18. ’65.

My dear Leighton,

You very well know how much I love you and that a joy or a sorrow to you must be felt by myself also in the due degree. [1] You will bear up like the good, brave fellow you are, against this loss, irreparable as it is: and I am sure of one thing,—though you may hardly be able to see it yet,—that to pass away in a fit season, surrounded by the devotedness of such children as are your Mother’s, is indeed a blessing among the chances of this world. You have much left to be thankful for, besides—and you will remember how much your Father needs support. God bless you all.

I had just been wanting to tell you that Cottrell assures me things are going on well at Florence, [2] —but of that when we meet. I only end as I began—you know I am ever yours most

affectionately,

Robert Browning

Address: Frederick Leighton Esq R.A. / 9. Circus, / Bath.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Leighton’s mother, Augusta Susan Leighton (née Nash, 1804–1865), died at Bath on 9 January. She married on 24 June 1826 Frederic Septimus Leighton (1799–1892), a physician. They had three children: Alexandra Orr (née Leighton, 1828–1903), Frederic Leighton (1830–96), and Augusta Neunburg Matthews (née Leighton, 1835–1919).

2. In regard to the monument over EBB’s grave.

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