SD2325. Robert East Apthorp to Joseph Lyman

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 27, 340.

Rome

January 16, 1860.

… We were together, a week or two since, on a visit to Mrs. Browning. Mr. Browning was present, and the conversation turned on Guerronnière’s pamphlet, which had just then appeared. Mrs. Browning had not seen it, only heard generally its contents, or rather purport. Mr. Parker had seen a translation of it in the Times, and proceeded, in his unique way, to state its grounds, its argument, and then to draw his own inferences as to its real meaning, object, and probable effect. Mr. Browning stood up with his back to the fire, Mrs. Browning sat with her face turned half round towards him, and I sat so that I could at once see the faces of all three. It was very interesting to observe how spell-bound they were; and Mrs. B. said to me, some days after, “What a masterly statement! What a wonderful man!” …

Text: John Weiss, Life and Correspondence of Theodore Parker (New York, 1864), II, 408–410.

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