5712. RB to Louisa Browning
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 56–57.
19. Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.
Feb. 26. ’66.
My dear Louisa,
First, pray forgive this sorry scrap of paper—I suddenly find myself “out” of the article,—and will not keep you waiting till I can supply myself.
My father has been subject, since a year or two, to the unpleasant effects of a varicose vein, in the bladder. (I must tell you the facts, of course.) Were the vein otherwise situated, it would be of little consequence: as it is, the result is great pain, occasionally, and bleeding: but my father’s system is so excellent, and the weakness, caused by this, so comparatively unimportant, that there is no subject of immediate apprehension. The case admits of hardly any medical treatment—the doctor (a very competent one[)], not choosing to interfere with the natural vigour which is so remarkable, and is perhaps the result of a perfectly temperate and healthy life: he could stop any excessive bleeding—but hitherto has left nature to her own resources. It is a very painful thing while it lasts, debilitating of course,—and, what is most annoying, interferes with that exercise which is necessary: but in compensation we are told that apoplexy, and other attacks incidental to old age in a strong body, are kept off by it: it is simply a form of “piles.” When I last heard, a week ago, he was much better—his main inconvenience being in the pain, which tho’ short, fortunately, is severe. I shall trust to see him for myself at Easter. He accompanied us all, last August, to our old place of resort in Bretagne and enjoyed our two months’ stay by the seaside extremely. He continues all his studies, just as usual, nor is there the minutest decline of any of his faculties,—they are absolutely as they were thirty years ago. About a month since I had occasion for some information respecting a point of mediæval history, and he at once filled a book with citations from authorities on the subject,—translating them when not from English authors– [1] It is an extraordinary instance of the vitality produced by intellectual exercise, and the quiet of a good conscience. For all of which blessings I thank God.
I am much indebted to your kindness for this troublesome business of the letters which foolish people will occasionally address to the other R.B. I see no way of helping it—for I told, only last week, the lady who sends the present card, what my address was,—it is also in all the Red Books. [2] Pray assure Mr Browning, if ever you have the opportunity, that I am truly sorry I involuntarily put him to so much trouble. I wonder whether he would allow me to send him from time to time a few directed envelopes into which he might forthwith slip any letter of mine that found its way to him.
Dear Louisa, I will get to see you at some early day if I can: I live in a worry and wear—going out when I don’t work at home. The mornings are wanted for work of various sorts, and I have had engagements for every evening this month. I only do this drudgery for the Boy’s sake.
With love to Sarah, ever yours
Affectionately,
Robert Browning.
Address: Miss Browning, / 1 Maitland Park Crescent, / Haverstock Hill, / N.W.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: University of Iowa.
2. RB refers to Webster’s Royal Red Book; or Court and Fashionable Register, published by W. & A. Webster, 60 Piccadilly. In the April 1863 edition, RB’s name and address occur in the section entitled “Nobility and Gentry” under both “The Street Guide” (p. 208) and “The Alphabetical-List” (p. 282). The other Robert Browning is listed at “2 Gloucester-road, Regent’s-park, W.” (pp. 87 and 282).
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