On March 24, 1898, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Washington, D. C., wrote to Alice Moore Dunbar in Brooklyn, whom he had recently married in a secret civil ceremony. Relatives in both families were upset because Paul and Alice didn't have a traditional wedding celebration.
Then this morning came your sister's letter. It is so pathetic that I am entirely melted, although she blames me severely and I deserve it. I am sorry for your sister's grief, but I shall answer her letter in the proper tone. We have taken a rash step, love. Let us vindicate it by living a happy life. We have done just what Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett did, only her father was never reconciled. Let us hope that you will be so happy that all will be reconciled to this step.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, March 24, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Paul referred to Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett, two English poets whose relationship paralleled that of the Dunbars: their courtship began by mail and led to an elopement and the disapproval of their families. Paul and Alice occasionally mentioned the Brownings in their correspondence.
So it is generally accepted there that we are engaged, is it? Well, it's worse here. It's thrust down my throat at every turn I make. People hint and rhapsodize, joke or moralize about it. "What charming community of tastes," says one. "A regular Browning and Barrett affair," chirps another. Hang them! Why can't they mind their own business?
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, December 29, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
I want to make up to you all you have lost in the friendship of your family by marrying me. Alice, darling, I love you so devotedly and I want to be so good to you that ours shall be the ideal married life. Dear, it is not all foolishness that people talk about this Mr. and Mrs. Browning affair of ours. We have the opportunity of showing to our friends and the world a beautiful example of the harmony of hearts joined with a sympathy of minds.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, March 14, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I see that the Barrett-Browning idea has fastened itself upon you. Thus far we have done as our own models. There is but one thing left -- for you to write a Pippa Passes and I an Aurora Leigh. Then we can rest content. (Oh conceit!)
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, March 26, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Robert Browning wrote a lengthy dramatic poem called Pippa Passes in 1841. Elizabeth Barrett Browning published her epic poem Aurora Leigh in 1856.