100. EBB to Henrietta Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 88–90.
Ode to my beloved Henrietta
on her birthday. March the fourth 1820 [1]
Baker Street 62.
_________
Time was when Phebus self was young
And music trembled from his tongue!
And every Muse in youthful pride
Tuned the sweet lyre on blest Parnassus side–
When glorious Fame on mighty pinion bending
Near Helicons eternal waters,
Swift from the Heaven of light descending
Addrest Apollos daughters–
“Go hence oh progeny of Heav’n” he cries
(While lightening flashes from his radiant eyes)
“Go hence to Thracias wild and ample side
Where far famed Hebrus [2] rolls his golden tide–
Ye, near that sacred flood Apollo waits
To leash the awful mandate of the fates!
This day most blest mysterious signs declare
Peace on the earth, and sunshine in the air–
This day with happiness the Gods will bless
And Hells worst influence shall not make it less!
Though Mis’ry strain each nerve and ev’ry wile
Yet on the 4th of March the Heav’ns benignant smile!
Fly hence already Morning yields to day
Apollo wills, it fits ye to obey![”]
He said and breaking from their eager sight
Poised his strong wings and soared to realms of light!
The heavenly Sisters to his words assent
And thro the liquid air their flight celestial bent!
Where Thracian Hebrus flows on golden sand
The god of poesy they found
While waiting his austere command
Circling his throne and all around—
Those renowned or famed in story,
Warriours high in lists of glory
The mighty God surround—
The graces at his feet
Their wonted garland twining
With low submission meet
Above the flood reclining!
“Children of earth and of those azure skies”
With accents sweet the power eternal cries—
“This day the pitying fates with joy bestow
(To ease your cares) an antidote for woe
For on this day the awful power decree
A happy boon shall future ages see
Where native goodness and unblemished truth
With all the sweetness all the glow of youth
Attractive beauty grace without a fetter
Will smile unsullied in a Henrietta![”]
He said and paused––the heav’nly muses raise
The swelling strain to Henriettas praise;
Their notes the lofty vaults of Heav’n rebound
And earth rejoices in the welcome sound!
_________
Then ah if thus the Powers of Hea’vn
Rejoiced with kindred mirth
What joy shall to my heart be giv’n,
Upon a sisters birth?
Why should I strive with empty sounds to bless
Thy birth my sister ever ever dear?
Oh what can all the pomp of words express?
Heav’n reads my heart & knows it is sincere!
And if my Henrietta thou’d beguile,
And cheer my labours on this happy day
My wearied fingers and poetic toil–––
Ah love me still, and smile upon my lay!
My beloved Henriettas
Affecte Sister
Ba.
Address, on integral page: Miss H Barrett / Baker Street / 62.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. Her 11th birthday.
2. The most important river in Thrace, associated with the worship of Dionysus.
___________________
