5807. RB to George Goodin Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 129–131.
19. Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.
Oct. 19. ’66.
My dear George,
I feel very grateful indeed for your letter, and all the kindness it is replete with. For the monument,—I am simply rejoiced that you like it. You know it was just what I was able to accomplish in that direction, and no more: I mean,—that had it been of pure gold it would have gone no farther in the way of being a fit offering,—and, on the other hand, if my circumstances had only allowed me to put up a wooden cross, that would have sufficed. But I was fortunate in the sympathy of Leighton, and so, I hope, have been able perhaps to manage that the little which is done, is on the whole well done. I could not be on the spot and care for the execution personally—and mistakes were made at first which have been rectified since: but, by the photographs, I judge that Leighton’s work is adequately rendered,—and we must be content. I am really rejoiced that you, of all others, should be content. It was right that in a city where so many beautiful monuments are to be found,—whatever was intended as this memorial should try, at least, to be beautiful. I hope to see it one day: and, although I have no kind of concern as to where the old clothes of myself shall be thrown,—yet, if my fortune be such, and my survivors be not unduly troubled, I should like them to lie in the place I have retained there. It is no matter, however.
Well, as to the Bust, I cannot but be touched (I won’t descend to being “honored”) by your thought about a companion head: Story has all the photographs necessary besides a good memory of his own,—I shall like the idea of his making this portrait also from memory. I hardly recollect the bust already made,—but quite agree with you that an altogether new one would be preferable: so, do just as you like; and may the result please you at least! [1]
I have returned lately from Bretagne—and a place I much enjoyed, Le Croisic. It is wild and solitary enough, with good bathing and wonderful air scented with the salt-pits which fill the country. We stayed there two months—my sister and Pen, with me—and come back the better for our journey: you are lucky indeed to be able to see—what surely cannot be much longer deferred—the break up of things at Rome; you will find plenty of company there—all lovers of “a Sight” are starting or about to start. [2] Pen thanks you immensely for all your kind messages and enquiries,—also for the very welcome newspapers, with which he regales Italian friends. He is very well,—working very hard, poor fellow, for the awful matriculation “soon after next Easter,” according to the official notice I have received. I hope—earnestly pray, he may be successful,—but am not sure. They require real proficiency in Greek & Latin at Balliol, and the examination is in no sense a sham. I lose him at Michaelmas. Arabel is very well, and bids me give her best love to you—she will write immediately, I am also to say. Occy, his wife, and the boy have just left her,—and she feels such separations keenly. My sister thanks you exceedingly for your kind remembrance of her—and Pen sends his most affectionate regards.
Good bye, dear George: we were often anxious about you,—pray take care of yourself. You may see Leighton,—who is at Rome now: he would be gratified by a word from you, should your ways meet,—a dear good fellow I have always found him.
Ever most affectionately yours
Robert Browning.
Publication: B-GB, pp. 284–286.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
1. Story completed RB’s bust in marble by July of the following year (see SD2920). It is a copy of Story’s 1861 bust in plaster (illustrated in vol. 29, facing p. 177). Both RB’s 1867 bust and EBB’s (the companion piece, also commissioned by George, completed in April 1865) are illustrated facing p. 177.
2. According to the terms of the September convention of 1864, which made Florence the capital of Italy (see letter 5457, note 5), the French garrison was to leave Rome in two years. The “lovers of ‘a Sight’” would want to see the French troops leave and the resulting events.
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