SD2178. Diary Entry of Sophia Hawthorne

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 356 (in part).

Florence

Thursday 24th [June 1858]

Thursday 24th was St John’s day, the Chief day in Florence. … The best of the show to me on St John’s day were the diamonds! Presently the white haired Grand Duke with the Grand duchess arrived. Alas for the treacherous grand duke! Mrs Browning has deprived him of his royal princeliness by the deeds of his she has sung in “Casa Guidi Windows.” Yet she told me that he is a tender, devoted father to his young children, and even walks with them up and down in his arms at night when they are ill, and so she thinks he must have good in him. …

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

___________________