156. Henrietta Moulton-Barrett [1] to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 153–154
[Hope End]
To my dearest Ba
On her happy birthday
March 8th 1822 [2]
Hear the birds how they warble their praises to God
But who can behold him but those that are good
Then goodness what art thou? and what is thy name?
That thou wilt never lend thy beauteous fame
Except to those who doth combine truth patience and good humour
And whose heart is as warm as the last day in summer
But goodness I pray thee behold and is it not so?
You are a relation to E B Barrett you know
A near one and dear one I really and truly do think
For your qualities in her are as fresh as a Pink
Then Oh my dearest Ba are not you happy
Do not you know that this is not false flattery
Then may you once more be restored to sweet health
For that would I know be to you the greatest of wealth
Address, on integral page: For / dearest Ba.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Correspondent identified by handwriting.
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