5774. RB to Frederick Locker
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 96–97.
151. Rue de Grenelle St Germn
June 17. ’66.
My dear Locker,
I know you—& dear Lady Charlotte will feel with my sister & myself when I tell you that my Father died on the 14th I was called by telegram, but arrived, contrary to my expectation, in time for one twenty-four-hours more with that unworldly, simple, good & admirable man—who might have been a notable man, too, had he owned one touch of vanity or ambition. His faculties remained to the very last,—I almost wish it had been otherwise,—but his perfect gentleness and consideration for everybody rather than himself would not have been so striking as they were, in the great suffering prolonged by his strength of constitution. He was absolutely indifferent to death,—did not care to know the opinions of the doctors who consulted about his case: he repeatedly told us he was “quite happy”. The kindness of both of you, lets me say this to your sympathy, of which I am sure. [1]
I believe my Sister will soon come and live with me in London: she loses a long use of her life—but feels the comfort of having done all in her power. She sends her kindest regards to Lady Charlotte and yourself: mine go with them always.
Most truly yours
Robert Browning.
Publication: Augustine Birrell, Frederick Locker-Lampson, a Character Sketch (London, 1920), p. 102.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. A few years later, Locker wrote of RB, Sr. in a letter to RB, remarking that he and his wife saw “the most of Mr. Browning” in 1860: “He was quite an elderly man, if years could make him so, but he had so much vivacity of manner, and such simplicity & freshness of mind, that it was difficult to think him old” (26 December 1870, ms at Brown).
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