SD2105. Robert Bulwer Lytton to John Forster

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 24, 266 (in part).

Bagni di Lucca

4 Septr. / 57

My dear, my very dear beloved friend,—These are the first characters wh. I have yet attempted to form & I fear that you will find them very illegible as my hand is still very weak: but I cannot delay even one day longer the attempt to thank you from my heart for your affectionate and thrice welcome letter. …

Dear Forster Browning put into my hands the day before yesterday a letter from you to him, which made me shed many happy & grateful tears—I had what the servants call “a good cry” after reading it,—to feel that I might have—in you—a love so true and deep & affectionate—what can I say my loved & ever valued Friend to make you know how fully my whole heart reciprocates every expression of kindness in that letter? …

I have been very unwell indeed with a long & severe attack of gastric fever wh. has confined me to my bed for now about 30 days—but I am now, thank God, making rapid strides toward convalescence. I drive out twice a day & sit up for dinner & tea.

But for some time I was I think in considerable danger.

I was obliged to have two persons up with me all night, keeping ice to my head & mustard to my feet, & I look back to that time as to a horrid nightmare. …

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Lord Cobbold.

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