129. EBB to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 125.
Ode
To my beloved Papa
On his birthday Hope End
May 28th 1821 [1]
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Sweet Poesy! divine untutored maid!
Oh! gently from chaotic slumbers wake—
Thine influence o’er thy humble vot’ry shed,
And into purest music, proudly break!
Tis thine to elevate, and fire the breast,
And bid exalted numbers wildly roll—
Inspire the noble thought—and unreprest—
Awake the energetic strenght [sic] of soul!–
Oh! for the voice mysterious, which has charmed
My lonely hours!! and on my silence breathed—!
This heart, with bright poetic fervor warmed,
And my young brows, with fancied laurels wreathed!!
Oh for that voice so sweetly pure, that stole
(Like the low murmuring of the distant wind)
Upon those chords, that thrill within the soul!
Ecstatic rapture!—music of the mind!!–
Parent beloved! within this lowly lay,
No studied tropes, or hacknied types appear–
And yet, Sincerity, Affection say!
Is Puppy to his child, less truly dear?
Ah no! not all that flatt’ry might impart
Could sweet Affection’s humblest accent prove,
Could speak the simple language of the heart
Or breathe th’ enduring strains of filial love!!–
Your own fondly and
Gratefully affectionate
Ba—
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
1. His 36th.
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