5713. RB to Frederic Chapman

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 57–58.

193. Piccadilly, London. W. [1]

March 1. 1866–

My dear Frederick,

I hear this moment of the dreadful loss you have undergone [2] —I pity you with all my heart, & you know I am better able than many to understand what there is to pity. Bear up—you will, I am sure—like the man you are, and do your duty to your child. [3] Even the little I ever saw of your wife was very delightful and always will be precious to me in remembrance. God bless you. I can say no more, but could not help saying this much.

Yours affectionately

R Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. The address of Chapman and Hall.

2. The death on the previous day at Bournemouth of Chapman’s wife, Clara (née Woodin, 1842–66); see letter 5002, note 3. In letter 5728 RB writes: “Her health was always consumptive, and she died—I suppose of consumption.”

3. Frederic Hamilton Chapman (1863–1925).

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