99. EBB to Samuel Moulton-Barrett (brother)

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 88.

To my beloved Sam on his birthday with appologies for haste

In consequence of my Muse being on such rapid wing that

she could not stop to make any corrections.

Hope End January 13th 1820. [1]

The ambient Morn with rosy fingers streaks

The dusky Heav’ns– the sun in rising splendour

Flames fiery red amidst the grey horizon–

Hail glorious orb of everlasting light!

Thou seem’st to me more purely beautiful

Than when I gazed upon thee yestermorn

In unobscured, eternal, bright effulgence

For now thou gladst a cherished Brothers birth

A Sisters prayer! Oh thou inspire my song

Bright image of thy bright Creator! Raise

My thoughts to Heav’n, and cheer my anxious breast!

And thou my Sam! my Brother! tis for thee

I twine this hasty garland on thy birth

A Sisters love alas! can do no more!

Then oh may Sense and goodness guide thy path,

And pour joy’s endless suhshine o’er thy head!

Yours affecte Sister

Elizabeth.

Address, on integral page: To / Master S Barrett.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. His eighth birthday.

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