755. EBB to George Goodin Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 270–271.
Torquay.
Thursday. [14 May 1840] [1]
My own dearest Georgie,
Your two letters—or are there more which your kindness sent to me?—must not be unrecognized any longer—altho’ I know you wd tell me not to write if I cd hear your voice. But indeed it can do no harm to any part of me, this relief of heart in writing—& I want to tell you dearest Georgie & all of you how I love you & think of you & how grateful I am for every thought of yours– Of the past there is no need to speak. What is done, is done—& we, knowing that God did it, know in that knowledge the extremity of love & mercy involved in the doing. [2] Oh may the great Doer teach us to bow low in unmitigated apprehension of Him as the Supreme in will—and in mercy also. Dearest Georgie, we do not know the meaning of the things we suffer, more than of the things we see; but we “shall know hereafter”– [3] In the meantime let it be enough that God doeth all.
May He bless & keep you every one. Be sure that I am a great deal better—rather weak still certainly—but shaking off more & more of the weakness– It is my earnest wish to get home,—& if I cannot do that, to get nearer– Dearest Minny cant wish it half so much as I, tell her. Yet I am afraid they wont let me even try to get home. On “getting nearer” I shall insist upon in all events. Even you cdnt blame me for that obstinacy—but, as they all say, there will be a more becoming time for such speculations when I am out of bed—& I hope to be on the sofa soon again. My dear dear Papa’s being here is an inexpressible comfort—& he never seems to dream of going away, they say– We lost Jane & uncle Hedley this morning—regarding their past visit, as indeed every detail of their conduct to us, with grateful affection. If you go—any of you—to Richmond—do [4] take care, & take the waterman.
Now mind you believe me to be a great deal [4] better. I am really so. And if the writing goes up & down, that is nothing but want of use. Bro is sailing with Mr Vaneck at this moment [5] —& Henrietta & Arabel walking out in the sun—& Papa reading on the other side of the green door.
How I love you all!– May God in Christ Jesus bless you– Give my affectionate love to dearest Trippy—& ever do you love
Your
Ba–
Address: George Goodin Barrett Esqr / 50. Wimpole Street / London.
Publication: B-GB, pp. 44–46.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
1. Dated by postmark, 15 May. Thursday fell on the previous day.
2. Their brother Sam had died of a tropical fever in Jamaica on 17 February, although the news did not reach London until April.
3. Cf. John, 13:7.
4. Underscored three times.
5. Mr. Vanneck was the owner of the boat in which Bro was sailing when he met his death later in the year. Vanneck also died, his body never being recovered.
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