SD1320. Frances Hanford to Frances Parthenope Nightingale

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 14, 371 (in part).

[Florence]

[21 May 1847]

… We are just returned from Mr Powers where Mr & Mrs Browning were so kind as to take us. Of course you saw the fisherboy now exhibiting in London. Is it not lovely and so classically simple and graceful and the execution so beautiful? His Eve too is very fine. But I think on the whole not equal to the Greek slave. She has plucked the apple but has not yet eaten. To show however that the mischief is done, that it is the first step which is the important one, the tail of the serpent is made to encircle her feet. … We paid a passing visit to the Pitti with the Brownings and it is so delightful to see her enjoyment, everything that is beautiful from sentiment or form or colour she seizes directly, but particularly in sentiment. His pleasure too in showing her the things and his care for her, are very nice. …

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Sir Ralph Verney.

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