104. EBB to Mary Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 92–93.
Hope End
May 1st 1820.
Ode to my dearest Mama
on her happy birth day. [1]
Hail lovely month! the incense breathing shower
Of oderous roses, thy fair form array
Veiled in a blushing canopy of flowers
While midst thy locks delightful breezes play!
Hail Queen of Flora’s tribe! thrice hail celestial May!
The hours of wint’ry gloom at length are past.
And genial warmth succeeds, and brighter skies;
Far from our smiling land, the wint’ry blast
To some less happy shore reluctant flies
Awed by the laughing bliss of May’s re[s]plendant eyes!
And thou for whom I raise th’ untutored song
To bless a Mother on her natal day.
To thee my verse, to thee my thanks belong!
Oh partial smile, and cheer my humble lay
Loved, cherished as thou art, the fairest flower of May!
For thou hast watched my infant helplessness
I owe thee all for thou hast all bestowed!
Thou taught my lisping accents first to bless
That azure Heav’n, man’s last secure abode
And turned my infant thoughts to a redeeming God!
No! I can ne’er my gratitude express!
And never can I all thy care repay!
And yet accept the offering that would bless
Thy future hours—accept my simple lay!
Then who so blest as Ba upon this joyous day?
Your most affecte Child
EBB.
Publication: None traced.
Source: Copy in Mary Moulton-Barrett’s hand in “Poems by EBB,” Berg Collection.
1. Her 39th birthday.
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