SD2351.5. Diary Entry of Edward Lear

Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 27.

[Rome]

11 March 1860

Bright early—but cold. … Dressed, & at 6½ to Miss Cushmans. — This dinner & evening was most extremely pleasant. Only Miss Stebbins & Miss C. were of the house: besides,—R. Browning, C. Newton,—Odo Russell. This last I thought as really good a specimen of modern Diplomat as possible,—so kindly without shame, & so clear without sharpness. — Browning was all fun—pun—foaming with spirit;—his anecdote of Carlyle—(wh. he hesitated ere giving,)—how he & C. went to Boulogne, C. for the first time abroad:—when, on seeing the first Crucifix—C. calmly, & feelingly said — ——— “Ah! poor fellow!—I thought we had had enough of him had done with him!” Great mirth & roaring. Dinner especially good—oysters & peaches from America. Champagne & all things very excellent, but all in perfect taste. … After dinner … we had drawings—& photographs—& the Fields came: & altogether the evening was splendidophoropherostiphongious.

Manuscript: Harvard University.

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