226 Mary Somerville. 



simplicity. I allude to our greatest British poetess, 

 Mrs. Browning, who at that time resided in Florence, 

 except when the delicacy of her health obliged her 

 to go to Rome. I think there is no other instance 

 of husband and wife both poets, and both distin- 

 guished in their different lines. I can imagine no 

 happier or more fascinating life than theirs ; two 

 kindred spirits united in the highest and noblest 

 aspirations. Unfortunately her life was a short 

 one ; in the full bloom of her intellect her frail 

 health gave way, and she died leaving a noble 

 record of genius to future ages, and a sweet memory 

 to those who were her contemporaries. The Flo- 

 rentines, who, like all Italians, greatly appreciate 

 genius, whether native or foreign, have placed a 

 commemorative tablet on Casa Guidi, the house 

 Mrs. Browning inhabited. 



I was extremely delighted last spring in being 

 honoured by a visit from Longfellow, that most 

 genial poet. It is not always the case that the 

 general appearance of a distinguished person answers 

 to one's ideal of what he ought to be in this respect 

 Longfellow far surpasses expectation. I was as 

 much charmed with his winning manner and con- 

 versation as by his calm, grand features and the ex- 

 pression of his intellectual countenance. 



The Barons Fairfax, as I mentioned already, had 



