5771. RB to Louisa & Sarah Browning

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 93–94.

151. Rue de Gr. St Gn

June 14. ’66

Dear Louisa & Sarah, [1]

I was called to Paris on Tuesday by a Telegram: my Father had become seriously ill: I arrived here next morning,—yesterday: this morning, at 8½. nearly, he died,—the best, least worldly man I ever knew. He told me repeatedly he was “perfectly happy,”—and was utterly indifferent to death: he kept his dear, sweet care of others’ feelings to the very last. He died merely of hæmorrage, not any sort of bodily decay: indeed he was far too strong and tenacious of life; but he is with God, and it is all over now. Sarianna bears her loss with no more outrageous grief than a Christian should: believing, as he said last night, “that we shall meet again in Heaven.”

He will be buried on Saturday. I hope to induce Sarianna to come and live with me hence forward. She sends her kindest love to you; and mine goes with it.

Ever affectionately yours

Robert Browning.

Address: Miss Browning / 1. Maitland Park Crescent, / Haverstock Hill, / London.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: R.H. Taylor Collection.

1. Louisa Browning (1807–87) and Sarah Browning (1814–1902); see letter 5251, note 1.

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