SD1656. Diary Entry of Grace Greenwood
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 19, 367–368 (in part).
Bologna
May 17 [1853]
We left Florence yesterday morning, amid some clouds and a heavy atmosphere; …
I “sorrowed most of all” at parting, so soon, with my friends the Brownings. My friends, how rich I feel in being able to write these words!
I think I must venture to say a little more of them, as, after writing of my first evening at Casa Guidi, I was so happy as to enjoy much of their society. Robert Browning is a brilliant talker, and more—a pleasant, suggestive conversationist, and a sympathetic listener. He has a fine humour, a keen sense of the ridiculous, which he indulges, at times, with the hearty abandon of a boy. In the gentle stream of Elizabeth Browning’s familiar talk shine deep and soft the high thoughts and star-bright imaginations of her rare poetic nature. The two have oneness of spirit, with distinct individuality; they are mated, not merged together.
In the atmosphere of so much learning and genius, you naturally expect to perceive some mustiness of old folios, some uncomfortable brooding of solemn thought; to feel about you somewhat of the stretch and struggle of grand aspiration and noble effort, or the exhausted stillness of a brief suspension of the “toil divine.” But in this household all is simple, cheerful, and reposeful; here is neither lore nor logic to appall one; here is not enough din of mental machinery to drown the faintest heart throb; here one breathes freely, acts naturally, and speaks honestly.
Mr. and Mrs. Browning give me some hope that they may yet visit America, in whose republican institutions they have a deep and sympathetic interest. Their child, a boy of four years, is a beautiful little fellow—healthful and childlike, but of a delicate and fine poetical organization. He already shows remarkable talent for drawing and poetry. But I must leave them all; and now, indeed, good by to Florence. …
Text: Grace Greenwood, Haps and Mishaps of a Tour in Europe (Boston, 1854), pp. 363–365.
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