5703. Robert Browning, Sr. to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 49–50.
[Paris]
[ca. 15 February 1866] [1]
Dear Robert, I avail myself of the opportunity of Sarianna’s writing to say how pleased I am to think that any thing I could have had to communicate,—should have afforded you any useful information– [2] I might perhaps be of further use, In ferreting any dates facts or names you may wish to be more particularly acquainted with—— The weather for some time past has prevented my walking among the books: but with the return of Spring I hope to resume the only recreation I experience in Paris: I wish you knew of any young man who would wish to try his hand on Marozia– But by no means to make a novel of it– I have collected material enough—to form a “truthful” history of her, which as it is not a hackneyed subject might be read with interest– It would be out of Character were I to attempt it—but still I could (& most willingly would) give him so much information—as might make it no very difficult task: It has occupied my close attention for the last five years—& I am certain, an entertaining as well as useful biography might be made of it– The great difficulty lies in the wilful misrepresentations many writers of ability have been guilty of—but there is a great difference between omitting, & misrepresenting facts: & also a great pleasure in being able from authentic sources, to clear up any difficulty arising from carelessness or any other less reputable source: One grand difficulty I think I have satisfactorily cleared up is the marriage of Marozia with Alberic [3] & not with Adalbert ii– [4]
I am, your
Affectionate father
R Browning
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.
1. Approximate dating suggested by RB, Sr.’s mention of the “useful information” he had sent RB (see note 2 below) and “the return of Spring.”
2. In letter 5712, RB writes: “About a month since I had occasion for some information respecting a point of mediæval history, and he [RB, Sr.] at once filled a book with citations from authorities on the subject.” RB may have used the information his father sent him at this time (or later—see letter 5755) to compile the two pages of notes on Marozia and her circle that are now at ABL (see Reconstruction, E559).
4. Adalbert II, Margrave of Tuscany (d. 915), father of Guy, Marozia’s second husband.
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