In Feb 1840, about six months after his arrival, Ellen Nussey came to the Parsonage for a three weeks stay. Neither she, nor the Brontë girls had ever received a Valentine card; so it caused quite a stir on the morning of February 14th. when they each received one. Of course, the culprit was the scheming Weightman. In his usual mode of conduct, he had made a bold attempt to add a little sparkle to the girls' lives, and in a vain attempt to disguise his handiwork, had walked the ten miles to Bradford to post them. He had written verses in each of the Valentines; however, only the titles of three of them are known, but these give a general idea of their content: 'Fair Ellen, Fair Ellen', 'Away fond Love' and 'Soul divine'. The girls were not to be fooled by the Bradford post-mark, and soon realised that the chirpy curate was the guilty party. However, being so delighted with that morning's events, the four conspired to write a poem which they promptly returned to Weightman.
A Rowland for your Oliver
We think you've justly earned;
We think you've justly earned;
You sent us each a valentine,
Your gift is now returned.
We cannot write or talk like you;
We're plain folks every one;
You've played a clever trick on us,
We thank you for the fun.
Believe us when we frankly say
(Our words, though blunt are true),
At home, abroad, by night or day,
We all wish well to you.
And never may a cloud come o'er
The sunshine of your mind;
Kind friends, warm hearts, and happy hours,
Through life we trust you'll find.
Where'er you go, however far
In future years you stray,
There shall not want our earnest prayer
To speed you on your way. . .
One of the happiest events in the Bronte history, in a record usually sad, is the bright picture of Willie Weightman tramping the 10 miles to and back to Bradford to post these valentines for the girls.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThis portrait is one Charlotte's best pieces of artwork imo . One can see Weightman had a mouth that was ever ready to smiled.
A very interesting fellow, he charmed both Aunt and Emily , not easily won members of the tribe. One of the secrets of such daunting characters as these two is that such people will often succumb when cajoled by true charm .
And even if Anne did not care for him especially ( though I don't see how she could resist him ) Anne, whose heart " was formed for love " as she said , and was to known none beyond what was within that heart, at least received a valentine in this life.
These are not small accomplishments
God Bless Willie!
YES!!!!!!
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