Supporting Documents

SD2770.  Benjamin Jowett to Florence Nightingale

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 321 (in part).

Balliol College

Oxford

June 12 [1865]

<***> I thought that I was getting too old to make a new friend, but I believe that I have made one—Mr Browning, the poet, who has been staying with me during the last few days. It is impossible to speak without enthusiasm of his open, generous nature & his great ability & knowledge. I had no idea that there was a perfectly sensible poet in the world, entirely free from vanity, jealousy, or any other littleness, & thinking no more of himself than if he were an ordinary man. His great energy is very remarkable & his determination to make the most of the remainder of life. Of personal objects he seems to have none, except the education of his son, in which I hope in some degree to assist him.

I can’t help wishing (though I am afraid that it is a vain wish), that you would let me bring, as opportunity occurs, persons like him & Tennyson to see you. I am sure one is the better for knowing such persons & as there are not many of them, one need not fear being overcrowded with visitors. …

Text: Dear Miss Nightingale: A Selection of Benjamin Jowett’s Letters to Florence Nightingale, ed. Vincent Quinn and John Prest (Oxford, 1987), p. 59.

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