162. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 159–160.
[London]
June 24th 1822 [1]
My ever dearest Ba
I believe the fates have decreed that I should not give you your deserts for your impudence however I can assure you that I shall not forget you at some other time yesterday just when I was in the middle of my bang up in came master Sam, and I was obliged to finish my letter in a great hurry before I had given you half [2] your due. I should advise my friend as a well wisher of yours to send me no more of your impudence or else you shall repent it by Jove too late, no fates or any thing else shall save you. Sam yesterday came home in triumph, looking half a head taller for he has got up another form, he asked Watky [3] he heard him the Greek alphabet & then put him up. Mr Mc Swiney dined with us yesterday and was shown your Greek epitaph, in the first place he says Anacreontic measure is not proper for an epitaph, it ought to be Hexameters & Pentameters, in the second place you must send down the translation of it, as he cannot make out your meaning. He also saw your lines which were sent to Colburns [4] and thinks them quite beautiful but it is not adapted to the public, as it is not so interesting to them not knowing the circumstances which attended it. I enclose Colburns note which he sent with the verses now dont be in a passion my friend Basy because all authors must meet with disappointment you know, I should advise you next time to send, a subject more interesting to the public. I could not go last night to school with Sam because Papa had forgotten to send a note to Watky to apprise him of my coming and therefore my bed could not <be> ready however Sam took one last night and I go this evening. Good bye my dearest Ba you must not expect to hear from me so often.
Ever believe me
your ever affectionately attached–
Bro.
Granny desires me to say that though she has neglected to write to you there is nobody in this world she loves better.—
Address, on integral page: S. M. Barrett Esqr M.P. / Hope End / Ledbury / Herefordshire. “Ba” is written below the seal.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Altered from June 23d
2. Underscored three times.
3. The Rev. Robert Watkinson (1775–1869), Second Master at Charterhouse, later Rector of St. Laurence, Newland, Essex.
4. Henry Colburn (d. 1855), publisher. He was instrumental in starting (1814) The New Monthly Magazine.
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