Supporting Documents

SD2113.  Harriet G. Hosmer to Wayman Crow

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 24, 268 (in part).

Rome,

Nov., 1857.

Dear Mr. Crow:

Behold me here glorious and triumphant after braving all the perils of the sea and the land. …

I had a most delightful stay in Florence. The Brownings were kinder to me than you can possibly imagine, and so was dear Mrs. Jameson, who was in the same house. I am more and more grateful, every time I see them, that I have the privilege of knowing them so well.

I think this story of Mr. Browning’s will entertain you:

“I was dining out last night,” said Mr. Browning, “and took in to dinner Lady ——. What questions do you think she asked me?

‘Mr. Browning, what do you know of the Davenport Brothers?’

I explained to the best of my ability that they were uncommonly clever conjurers.

‘Oh, very interesting,’ said the lady. ‘Well, then, Mr. Browning, what are the Plymouth Brethren?’

‘A certain sect,’ said I, ‘who have peculiar ideas concerning religion and things in general.’

‘Oh, very interesting,’ again said the Lady. ‘Well, now, Mr. Browning, what can you tell me of Yarmouth Bloaters?’

‘Si non e vero ben trovato,’ said I.

I assure you it is every word true,” said Mr. Browning.

Then I believed him, but what is still inexplicable is that the lady, who bears a very intellectual name, is herself regarded as a woman of great intelligence, yet here was Mr. Browning’s experience. …

Text: Harriet Hosmer: Letters and Memories, ed. Cornelia Carr (New York, 1912), pp. 94–95.

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