SD1674. William Wetmore Story to Diary
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 19, 373 (in part).
Bagni di Lucca–
Saturday Aug. 20th ’53.
To hear a series of recitations by Mr. Alexandre the Master of Rachel—a humpback—full of cleverness & Spirit. …
In the aft on an expedition to Benabbio with the Brownings. Mrs B & E on Donkey back. A rugged tiresome road to the top where is an old church & a fine view of rolling mts. with valleys & the villages at our feet. A dreadful scramble down after sunset—& then to the Brownings to spend the eveg. He told us the story of Basil Montague whose mother was a Miss Ray a milk m[aid] of great beauty. Lord Sandwich had a lia[i]son with her & kept her at his house—where often times she appeared before company & sang delightfully. On one occasion an old lady seeing her greatly neglected af. her having sung a charming song went up & addressed some kind words to her—whereon Lord S. rebuked her & told her if she ever held any conversation with Miss Ray again he could not desire her to come to his house. He was thus rascal enough to seduce—& snob enough to consider his connexion an honor—& unfeeling enough to oppress in these mean ways his victim. Basil Montague (among other children) was the son of Miss Ray & Lord Sandwich. …
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: University of Texas.
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