142. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 140.

[Hope End]

December 23rd, 1821.

My ever dearest Ba

We were this morning agreable [sic] surprised by Sam’s getting up quite recovered[.] All his fever and headache has forsaken him and the tooth-ache and Giddiness in his head which troubled him very much have left him. he is now practising his hymns for Christmas morning, to awake Pap<a> with. A book has just pitched on my mouth thrown by Sam so that I am happy to say he can use both his tongue and hands, I can almost say it is with me as with Dares “mixtosq<ue> in sanguine dentes.” [1] Papa has gone to Ledbury Church and I am affraid he will have a most wretched rid<e> for it has rained almost ever since he went away. Good bye my dearest Ba and as I write in the dark excuse all blunde<rs>

ever believe me

your devotedly attached——

Bro

Best love——

Address, on integral page: S M Barrett Esqr / M P / Spa Hotel / Gloucester.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Eton College Library.

1. “And teeth with blood commingled” (Æneid, V, 470–471). Dares was a famous pugilist and friend of Æneas.

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