Record Number: 28411

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Reading Experience:

Evidence:

[Maria Branwell to her fiance, the Rev. Patrick Bronte, 5 December 1812:] 'Since I began this [letter] Jane put into my hands Lord Lyttleton's Advice to a Lady. When I read those lines, "Be never cool reserve with passion joined, with caution choose, but then be fondly kind, etc.," my heart smote me for having in some cases used too much reserve towards you. Do you think you have any cause to complain of me? If you do, let me know it. For were it in my power to prevent it, I would in no instance occasion you the least pain or uneasiness. I am certain no one ever loved you with an affection more pure, constant, tender, and ardent than that which I feel [...] I long to improve in every religious and moral quality, that I may be a help, and if possible an ornament to you. Oh let us pray for much wisdom and grace to fill our appointed stations with propriety, that we may enjoy satisfaction in our own souls, edify others, and bring glory to the name of Him who has so wonderfully preserved, blessed and brought us together.'

Century:

1800-1849

Date:

Between 5 Dec 1812 and 28 Dec 1812

Country:

England

Time

n/a

Place:

n/a

Type of Experience
(Reader):
 

silent aloud unknown
solitary in company unknown
single serial unknown

Type of Experience
(Listener):
 

solitary in company unknown
single serial unknown

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Reader / Listener / Reading Group:

Reader:

Maria Branwell

Age:

Adult (18-100+)

Gender:

Female

Date of Birth:

n/a

Socio-Economic Group:

Professional / academic / merchant / farmer

Occupation:

n/a

Religion:

n/a

Country of Origin:

n/a

Country of Experience:

England

Listeners present if any:
e.g family, servants, friends

n/a

Additional Comments:

n/a

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Text Being Read:

Author:

George Lyttelton

Title:

Advice to a Lady

Genre:

Poetry, Conduct books

Form of Text:

Print: Book

Publication Details

n/a

Provenance

unknown

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Source Information:

Record ID:

28411

Source:

Print

Author:

n/a

Editor:

Thomas James Wise and John Alexander Symington

Title:

The Brontes: Their Lives, Friendships and Correspondence

Place of Publication:

Oxford

Date of Publication:

1980

Vol:

I-II

Page:

23

Additional Comments:

n/a

Citation:

Thomas James Wise and John Alexander Symington (ed.), The Brontes: Their Lives, Friendships and Correspondence, (Oxford, 1980), I-II, p. 23, http://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/reading/UK/record_details.php?id=28411, accessed: 09 May 2025

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Additional Comments:

Patrick Bronte and Maria Branwell were married on 29 December 1812; see p.30 in source.