164. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 161–162.
[London]
July 13th 1822.
My ever dearest Ba
Do not imagine that I meant to imply that your “authorieal disappointments, are trifles” [1] far from it, on the contrary “tristia” [2] signifies things that are worthy of being grieved for, I only mean, I hope you will in the course of time & by experience be able to bear these sorrowful things with fortitude, next I send you a classical quotation I shall translate it word [by word] underneath and then you cannot misinterpret it Miss Basy however I will try you once more & I do not think you can well misinterpret it, “tu es stultus.” [3] I can tell you another thing too Miss which you have completely mistaken in me and which I am sure you ought to know “Tempore et usu” [4] i.e. that you can never surprise me, by any impudence either in words or deeds of yours so had better keep quiet on that subject. Now I have given you your due, I must thank you most sincerely for your letter, and condole with you on this abominable fresh attack in the head, which prevents you so provokingly, from pursuing your classical studies, with as much ardour as you wish. I hope you will not exert yourself too much even though you discontinue your delight [in] the “ars Poetica” for a short time, you will find the advantage of your privation. I must wish you good bye but you shall hear from me again tomorrow. Good bye my dearest Ba pray comply with my request.
Ever believe me
your ever affectionately attached.
Bro. —
Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett—
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Possibly a reference to a discouraging letter EBB had received from Henry Colburn (see letter 162).
2. “Sorrowful.”
3. “You are a fool.”
4. “By time and practice.”
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