163. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 160–161.
[London]
June 30th 1822.
My ever dearest Ba
You must excuse the scratch I sent you yesterday but Granny came in a glass coach to fetch us and went afterwards to visit so many people, and so many of them were at home, that we did not get here till the last bell was ringing. I must confess that it was not worth a penny of itself, but as you have not heard from me for a week I flattered Myself that you would like to hear, that I have not lost anything by my long absence and that I have not suffered any thing from any return of my rheumatism the whole week. We have had a most precious row this week, the cake man used to put down the boys name and some of them had bills for cakes and fruit to the amount of pounds. Russell found this out and made every boy pay what he could and bring the rest with him after the holidays, the table at which Russell sat to recieve the money was completely strewed with gold and silver I dare say there were about thirty pounds in gold besides an immense collection of five shilling pieces, half crowns, shillings, & sixpences. Mr Mc Swiney was here yesterday and saw your translation he says the Greek is wrong but will be easily altered and I am to try today with his assistance to alter it, he offered to take Papa to a Catholic chapel today to hear some very emminent man but his time which he fixed has elapsed and he has not made his appearance. I am glad to see Miss Basy that your impudence is at length silenced, however I wish you would favor me a with [sic] line now and then, whilst you are resting your toes, however I suppose you find the charges against your impudence qui<te> unanswerable. Mr Mc Swiney brought yesterday, the New Monthly Magazine and there are two songs of Campbells own, [1] which are realy the greatest stuff you ever read, and, (though I do not wish to raise your vanity higher than it is) are no more to be compared to yours, than (I wont make you too vain) you are to be called a modest young lady. I must wish you good bye as we are just going to church and I have no more room in my paper. Good bye my dearest Ba
ever believe me
your affectionately attached
Bro.
Address, on integral page: S. M. Barrett Esqr M.P. / Hope End / Ledbury / Herefordshire.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. On pp. 572 and 576 of Vol. IV (1822).
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