SD1696. Edward Twisleton to Mary Parkman

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 19, 376–377 (in part).

Dresden

Novbr 7. 1853

My dear Sister

I am most grateful to you for a letter which I received from you some weeks, or rather months, ago– …

Ellen wishes me to mention to you how I liked Robert Browning, whom we became acquainted with, together with his wife at Florence. Of Mrs Browning you have probably received an account from Ellen. He is about 5 feet 8 inches in height—with black hair, light eyes, something approaching to a Beard under his chin, and with somewhat of a sodden complexion such is as not uncommon amongst habitual dwellers in London. His Father was a Cashier, I am informed, of the Bank of England; and as far as the mere outward man is concerned, one might meet in a morning’s walk down Cheapside in London 50 persons not differing materially from him in appearance. As to the inward man, I regarded him as a thorough Gentleman in his ideas, cordial and catholick. I have a conviction that he is a thoroughly good Husband to his sensitive Wife; and acts towards her even in little matters with a Poet’s heart. She seems very fond of him—and in spite of the ill-natured scepticism of those who think that a Poet and a Poetess must disagree and quarrel, I believe that they are happy as Man and Wife. …

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Harvard University.

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