166. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 164.
[London]
August 1st 1822.
My ever dearest Ba,
Directly I arrived here yesterday evening I scribled a line though the last bell was ringing, in hopes that I should be in time but the postman was off out of reach before Neddy, [1] as Sam calls him [sic, for his] rat, could overtake him. The reason I was in such a hurry that you should hear from me was I knew how anxious you would be to hear how we past the examination, and above all I knew how delighted you would be to hear that I was yesterday promoted to the higher form namely the fifth, Doctor Russell called over all the boys names who for their ill conduct were to have double holiday tasks, and in the midst he called out my name I was in a most horrible frightened for thought he was going to set me a good long holiday task instead of which he told me I might go to the higher form. As Treppy Sam & I are going to the Bazaar I must wish you good bye till I see your elegant face on Saturday evening. We are waiting anxiously for Papa’s answer. Excuse my hurry for, it seems very much like rain before we start.
Ever believe me
your affectionately attached.
Bro ——
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. The reference to Neddy is unclear. Although a diminutive of Edward, it is unlikely that Bro means himself; it is possible that he refers to a fag of that name, whom he sent to catch the postman.
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