235. EBB to Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother)
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 250.
[?Hope End]
[26 June] [ca. 1826] [1]
alphabetic address.
Admit an alphabetic address, actively abetting affection, and advancing admiringly as an agrestic agent. Because beloved Brother, Ba being Behemoth-like, [2] “biggest born,” bearing brains bastinadoed by birthday befoolings, blesseth brachygraphically: besides—could commonplace complimentary courtesy compass complicated considerations, content crabbed critics? Doubtlessly, delightfully dedicated days <d>emand debonair devices: every eccentric <en>deavour excites entertainment: fantastic <ful>ly forgeth festive fetters for free feet, glibly <gil>d! Hotherwise how Hindrances have <ho>nour’s heritage—hand hall’s h.up!!!!! <in>consequence I, if indeed it is incumbent, <jus>tify jovial jestings! Judge, kind kindred! <Le>t “lacklustre” Love labor laughing; lugging <le>tters leisurely! May many manly marks make <m>y minor marvellous! May no nonsenses nor naughtiness narrow nature! Owning openess, overreach odiousness! Practising patience, perpetuate peace—quoting quiddities, quiet quarrellings—regarding religion, regulate reason—saying sagely, sit safely—take things temperately—venture valiantly—undecieved, understand—und—weighing warning, wax wise!
With wonted wishes,—you yawning youth,
Yours Zealously——
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. Probably in lieu of a birthday ode to Bro; the year conjectured by the handwriting. This was his 19th birthday.
2. Cf. Job, 40:15–24; probably a hippopotamus.
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