SD2500. Thomas Carlyle to John Forster
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 305 (in part).
Chelsea
17 Augt, 1861—
Dear Forster,
I return Browning’s Letter; whh we have read, naturally, with very great interest[.] The poor Lady seems to have passed away in a state of perfect peace, unconscious altogether of what was coming; the mildest end that cd have been provided to a gentle Human Life. Whh is a great consolation to survivors in their sorrow.— I know not whether Browning has yet come to you; I partly expected or hoped to have seen him here; but had no right either,—not having written, tho’ I did not want for matter, or even for intention, but only for a few minutes of composure; whh you know are seldom if ever mine, in these sad months and years. Tell him from me to gird himself together out of these sore wrecks of the Past (as indeed I see he is manfully doing);—and that I expect a new epoch for him, in regard to his own work in this world, now that he is coming back to England at last; and that, in my poor opinion, whh I have never changed, a noble victory lies ahead for him, if he stand to it while time yet is. This is my fixed thought; and often my greatest sorrow over the “woes of Italy” has been that a soul like R. B.’s was kept weltering, in a hobbled condition, amid such a mass of thrums and hopeless cobwebs! Assure him of my deep sympathy and true regard, at any rate. And come to me, you at least, when you return. …
Publication: Carlyle, 37, 212–214.
Manuscript: Victoria and Albert Museum.
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