The Greatest Love Stories Of All Time 3 of 4

Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning

The Brownings-It Was Meant To Be

A credible conversation about poetry cannot be had without discussing Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning. The works are too numerous to mention, and not the focus of this post. However, I did include a couple of links to their poetry at the end of this article just in case you are interested.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a prolific poet writing across her entire lifetime. It is believed, she started writing while still a child. Some of the themes included love, relationships, and personal growth. Truly remarkable was her level of optimism and hope when you consider that she was an invalid. Her brothers would carry her to the dinner table and back to her bed. Despite what would be an immense obstacle for most, Elizabeth received recognition for her work and had many famous fans. Her celebrity supporters visited at her bedside with little notice from her father who enjoyed the adjacent attention.

One such admirer who had actually fallen in love with her through her work was the esteemed English Poet Robert Downing. He wrote a passionate letter to Elizabeth declaring his love for her verse. The declaration was the impetus for continued corespondance and eventual visits. Robert was enthralled by Elizabeth, but she feared her father would stop Robert from visiting her ever again ,asked Robert to keep their relationship platonic. As time passed, the more Elizabeth got to know Robert, the more comfortable she felt and recognized the potential for a lasting relationship. With Robert's unwavering love, devotion and encouragement, she made attempts at walking. During their courtship, Robert and Elizabeth exchanged 574 love letters!

The winter months in London whad a negative effect on Elizabeth's health. The family usually left during that time to a warmer area. However, her father decided to break tradition which for Elizabeth was a hurtful blow. A testament to the lack of care for her health. This was the turning point in her life. Robert promised to whisk Elizabeth away to Italy, if she would just marry him. On September 12, 1946, she waited until lher father left the house. With the help of her loyal hand maid, Elizabeth made her way to the St. Marylebone Parish Church in London, and married Robert Browning. She was 40 y/o. EElizabeth Browning’s most famous piece is Sonnet 43. It was written during her courtship with Robert Browning and published after their marriage. When you consider the struggles she experienced including the betrayal of her own family, you start to really appreciate the love, peace and unconditional devotion she gave and experienced with Robert, and eloquently shared in the poem. The opening lines, over 100 years later can still be heard across the world, and they are as follows:

"How do I love thee, let me count the ways.."

Their love and works are a testament to the enduring power of the written word and the capacity of the human heart to transcend all obstacles in the pursuit of true love.

Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Italy, where they settled in Florence. This move was partly to escape Elizabeth's father's disapproval and partly for the health benefits of a warmer climate for Elizabeth. They lived in Italy for the rest of Elizabeth's life, residing primarily in Casa Guidi, their home in Florence.

By all accounts, Robert Browning was an extremely devoted and caring husband. He provided constant emotional and intellectual support to Elizabeth, encouraging her literary pursuits and cherishing her work. The move to Italy, which significantly improved Elizabeth's health and well-being, is often seen as a testament to his care and concern for her.

The Brownings had a true intellectual partnership, often discussing and critiquing each other's work with mutual respect and admiration for each other's talents.  There is some relevant scientific research that supports the power of love assertion.

Positive emotional states associated with love and support can boost the immune system, enhancing the body's ability to fight off illnesses. Studies have demonstrated that people in loving, supportive relationships tend to have stronger immune responses (Eisenberger, N. I., et al. 2007, 

Also, emotional support from a loving partner can improve mental health, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increase overall happiness. Close relationships are associated with increased emotional resilience and lower rates of mental health issues (Umberson, D., et al. 2010, "Social relationships and health behavior across life course").

People in happy marriages tend to live longer and report higher life satisfaction compared to unmarried people. Various studies have found correlations between strong social bonds, including marital status, and increased longevity (Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. 2010, "Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review").

Robert and Elizabeth Browning’s love story and works are a historical and scientific testament to the miraculous healing power of true love, cementing their narrative one of the greatest love stories of all time.