SD1219.3. Richard Hengist Horne to Mary Russell Mitford
Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 9.
Cologne.
Rhenish Prussia
Novr 27/44
My dear Miss Mitford, I was very glad to receive your note, giving me, as it did, so much pleasant gossip about pleasant Berkshire; the more so as the writer appeared to be in a capital condition of health and spirits. This latter supposition I have recently had confirmed by a letter from “our loving sister”—yours and mine—in which she tells me of your visit to her lately. She says that she never mentioned to you that I had written to her, and that you never told her if I have written to you! I don’t believe a word of it. You both told each other everything you could think of about yourselves and everybody else; and if all you both said had been printed (only think of that!) it would have filled at least 3 vols 8vo and would have been most delightful reading to many people. Also, it might have astonished other people, here and there.
You ask me if I like Germany, and the German people. Yes, I do. The country, you know is beautiful, and the climate mild, in general, and the people very good natured, extremely hospitable, and the educated classes all highly educated; women as well as men, and particularly many of the younger ladies. The manners also are more unsophisticated and the habits more simple than in England. For instance, it was remarked the other day that I did not take half enough exercise. I said I could find no interest in walking alone. Upon which, two young German ladies both offered to walk with me 2 hours every day. I at once consented. ‘Tomorrow we will begin’ said I ‘at what hour in the morning shall I call for you both–’ ‘At 6 o’clock.’ ‘At 6’ said I. ‘Yes—we always, or very often walk from 6 till 8.[’] I could’nt manage this, as I often sit up late to read, or make sketches in water colours of bits of scenery—so their proposal was wasted upon ungallant me. Still, I think I’m wrong, for the diet of the country is rather too rich for me, and I ought to walk 8 miles a day to stand it. But the fact is, I wanted more impulse to the act, which I cannot find in German ladies, for the simple reason that for the most part they are deficient in impulse, to certain sober weight seems to hang over their feelings. It is not so much that they hold themselves retenue, as that they have no enthusiasms to restrain. All this I say, of course, with the full admission of exceptions, as you will say I ought, after the very romantic proposal of a two hours hard walking every morng at 6 o’clock. I have made the acquaintance of many gentlemen of very superior attainments. Tieck I have not yet seen; but Schlegel often. Of music I have as yet heard little that I care much about. I have heard it much better executed at concerts in England. Some of the young ladies play on the pianoforte very finely; but I prefer the playing of Miss Hayward to any of them. She has more expression, and grace of meaning, as well as tenderness. And by the by, this very much explains what I find the German ladies deficient in—and the men too—they have all kind feelings, generous and warm—but little sensibility.
I think I shall remain in Germany a month or two longer, by which time I hope my mother will be weaned from the idea of my living with her again. You know I have long had a secret grief in this matter, but I believe she is now becoming reconciled. She will torment herself with many less anxieties and groundless apprehensions—and I shall be free. You understand these domestic trials, I well know. — Let me see, what further in your note. So, Miss B[rowne]. and the clerical [illegible words] seem “likely” you think? I shall never believe anything final in that quarter till “all is done.” Nevertheless I have hesitated to send a bit of guitar-music to Miss B[rowne], as I had intended—fearing to be called to answer with bible and Psalter at ten paces.– Oh, I had nearly forgotten to tell you I am learning a new instrument—the viola—the last I ever mean to attempt. I still hope you will hear me accompany Miss Hayward’s pianoforte, if I find I can play well enough on my return. You ask “what was the message you were not to deliver? That’s so very archly asked that I can’t very well send it now.
But instead of that one, here is another. ‘Does she like Tennyson?’ I hope Mr Hayward is in better health. Pray make my kindest remembrances to all the family. Let me have a line from you soon. Would you like to see any of the sketches of scenery I have made? I am not writing “Montezuma.” I am only reading German—practicing the viola—and making sketches of Rhine scenery.
Yours truly my dear friend
R.H.H.
P.S. Be so kind as say something pretty for me to all friends in Berkshire.
Please to
Address me at
Hill Side
Fitzroy Park
Highgate
[Continued by Miss Mitford]
P.S. I had forgotten to say that I had received this pleasant letter which I am sure you will be glad to read. I have answered it in the same spirit. He seems quite well. MRM
Address, on integral page: To be forwarded in an envelope. / Miss Mitford / Three Mile Cross / Reading.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Harvard University.
___________________
