SD2412. Journal Entry of William Surtees Cook
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 361 (in part).
Stoke St. Mary, Somerset
23 November [1860]
midnight. I am alone in our dining room,—alone with God and the remains of my beloved wife—my dearest darling Henrietta—whom I have loved so long—so earnestly. God took her to himself at 8. o’clock this evening. She died in my arms. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. A long painful illness the dear dear soul has had. Dear God my heart feels crushed! Ours was no ordinary love. I trust God did not think my human love too great and take away my idol! She lay sleeping for days and nights at the last—but a short time before she died—she opened her eyes—and looked at me so sweetly—so lovingly. I said—“dearest love-you are going to God, who will receive you, through the merits of our blessed Lord. I know you would like me to say this. I will not weep nor wail—not more than I can help. I will be resigned to the will of God.” She pressed my hand for she could not speak! But—why should I write all this! for whom! for what! My gentle sweet Henrietta is gone—the dear love of so many many years. Oh, God thy will be done!
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
___________________
