SD2078. Anna Brownell Jameson to Bessie Rayner Parkes
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 24, 260 (in part).
Rome
Friday Night [15 May 1857]
You see, dear Bessie, I do not lose any time in answering your letter; I had it this morning—you are a charming generous girl to take so candidly & kindly what I said—with no view to fault-finding—or to the mere convenience of yourself or others—I am persuaded that where there is much activity of brain, both mental & physical health will depend a good deal on keeping the daily arrangements unperplexed—the hours & duties flowing in clear succession not running into & muddling each other—& to inspire respect & trust about small things is the foundation for our best material life—& now I will never return to the subject—they will not make the less impression because you have accepted my old womanish, maternal observations with so much sweetness—
—Rome seems more & more beautiful—but as I am daily more & more broken by weariness—it seems as if thrown away on me– Madm Braun leaves for England on Thursday—and then I shall be off to Florence as soon as I can get these troublesome plates finished– Gerardine & Macpherson returned from Porto d’Auzio on Tuesday & he has since had a return of Fever–
—I hope for your sake (& for hers, as it would be a proof of better spirits) that you will see Mrs Browning. I cannot but think & feel much about her– Have you seen the Life of Charlotte Bronte—has it made its appearance at Florence yet? have just finished it– Not so much read as devoured it, with inexpressible pain & pleasure—it will do good—surely—great good—I had it only for a day or two so will venture none of the remarks which rise up in my mind—& which might possibly be modified on a second reading—but of the incalculable good the book will do as a publication by exciting the sympathy & wakening up the attention of intelligent men—there can be no doubt—till men see the truth as regards us women no good can be done—no effectual lasting good.
I am glad you will see Naples—“un pezzo del cielo cuduto in terra”—but as far from the sublimity of Rome as Florence can be—but I love Florence—“the beautiful” as I could never love Naples which I remember as a |sort| Syren |peaceful| & treacherous in her beauty.
Hatty Hosmer has been up here often to see me. She & Gibson together one evening– Her monument is receiving the finishing touches—it will be (it is already) very noble & pathetic in its mournful simplicity– You will write to me from Naples will you not?– I have every confidence in your excellent management & self dependence but I should like to hear that you are safe & well & something of Barbara & Anna Howitt if you know any thing.
Ever truly yours AJ
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Girton College.
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