Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning
An intense, affectionate love immortalised in poetry
Beginning in 1845 and throughout courtship, poets their Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning exchanged 574 love letters. The heartfelt first of these, sent by Robert, started with the now-famous line, “I love your verses my with all heart, dear Miss Barrett.” It not only triggered the start of their relationship, but also a love affair that has continued to tug at heartstrings ever since. Elizabeth was already in her late 30s when their secret relationship began, father having her vowed to disinherit his children who any of got married. this threat did However, nothing to diminish between the couple, the love and nor did Elizabeth’s permanent ill health. Elizabeth’s inspired her to feelings produce a total of 44 love sonnets — that were eventually
— in which she published declared to her love, “You have touched me more profoundly that I thought even you could have touched me.” One of the most famous sonnets,
43, opened with number Elizabeth’s iconic line, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” The couple eloped in 1846, angering Elizabeth’s father, and they warmer climate relocated to the of Italy with high of improving hopes her health. The happily there couple lived for 15 years but
Elizabeth’s illness unfortunately worsened. She passed away in her devoted husband’s arms
1861, aged 55. in