SD2581. Robert Browning, Sr. to Sarianna Browning
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 347 (in part).
Paris
May 26. 1862
My dearest Sarianna
I was agreeably surprized to find, on my return from a short walk, the arrival of a letter, not expecting one at least before tomorrow– I then accompanied Madme L to the Infirmary—where I staid about half an hour with Louis—he was pleased to hear that you so kindly enquired after him—& bade me thank you & say that he is a great deal better– The Infirmary is a sight really worth seeing– Every convenience & comfort abound there under the best arrangement.– If ever Arabel shod favour us with a Visit to Paris she must certainly go to see it– I was only surprized to see so few Patients in it– A Proof of the excellent care taken in that Establishment[–]
I have today met with a bargain– Last week I saw Watt’s World to come, a Work in 2 Vols—2 francs (rather more than I chose to give for it)– However having a few francs in my pocket I went in search of it today—found the work gone—but going on a little further found the same work—2 Vols in one, 50 centimes– I have had frequent opportuni[t]ies of remarking that where 2 Vols are bound in one—unless notice is given on the back of the Book—it is generally still cheaper as an odd Volume– You mention, going to dine with Mrs Forster– I hope Mr F. will be there—if so—do take an opportunity of mentiong to him that work of Henry Fielding– I shod like very much (if he cod spare the time) that he wod read it– If it is a fabrication (& I cannot see what end it cod have answered) it is certainly the closest imitation of Fieldings manner & style I ever witnessed—& I should like of all things to have his opinion of it– I would not give a pin for Thackeray’s, after what he has written about Hogarth– It is evidently a masterly sketch of an unfinished work—& in Fielding’s hands would have been a very popular one– But this being only my opinn you must attach no consequence to it– But I cannot help remarking that the most beautiful of Morland’s pictures that I ever saw, was one begun by himself & compleated by Corbould—Morland himself cod never have finished it so beautifully– Miss Ryan called upon me yesterday, & staid about an hour with me– I had just returned from a Walk to the Parc Marçeau, & a most agreeable place it is—I carried a book with me & read it under a most delightful shade– I saw Loney on Sunday afternoon she was at Mr Gardner’s– The old woman more troublesome than ever– I reserve the next page for any thing Madme Louis may have to say– Give my kindest love to little Peni– I hope his fondness for Rowing will not induce him to start for Doggets Coat & Badge—though I believe, that is done away with now or it is no longer needed as a protection from the Press– My kindest love also, to Robert of course– I miss you very much—but otherwise I continue exactly the same regularly going to bed, after having had my tea & rising at my usual time in the morning. Madame Louis has returned—but having mislaid her glasses & having nothing particular to say—I conclude—with my kindest love to you, Yr
affectionate father
R Browning
I have not once been to the Bois de Boulogne the weather looking so very uncertain—but I intend going to the exhibition, as soon as I conveniently can–
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.
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