124. Henrietta Moulton-Barrett to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 119–120.

[Hope End]

[6 March 1821] [1]

My ever very dear Poêtess

This is your learned birthday. I am afraid you will not deign to read this letter, but Oh what am I saying? when I think who you are and what qualities you possess, I am afraid I am going mad; pray don’t take it as a compliment; I am sure you won’t, as you know I love you too much to think of such a thing; and I flatter myself that you love me better than [to] think it is conceit. My love for you will never never cease but this you know. I must use an old phrase, which is, with all my heart and soul I wish you many returns of this ever happy day, which I hope will last till the end of my happy day’s. Good bye my dearest Poêtess and always

Believe me your dear Addles.

_________

This is to dearest sweetest Ba,

Who is as bright as any spar.

And is so very very dear to us,

That really we cannot help making a fuss.

So if dear Mama will us once excuse

We will take care to no one abuse.

But now my dearest Ba I must away,

For it will soon be the middle of the day.

Address, on integral page: To dearest Ba / On her ever happy birthday.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. In a series of birthday odes from Henrietta to EBB, none is dated 1821 or 1823. The quality of the handwriting places this letter in the earlier year.

___________________