15. EBB to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 12–13.

[Hope End]

28 May [1814] [1]

Addressed to dearest Papa on His birthday upon the recovery of little Arabella, from a dangerous illness

Oh! come my Muse, this twenty eighth of May,

Come let us celebrate this happy day!

Whilst I my humble lines rehearse.

The nightingale and linnet’s sing the verse,

When Death’s pale hand o’er Baby spread,

The pillow raised her little head,

Her face was white, her pulse beat low,

From every eye sad tears did flow,

But God to her his angel sent,

To make her well on mercy bent,

Stern Deaths driven by the angel chace [sic],

And Health comes suffering to replace,

So blest thy birthday Parent dear,

And blessed be thy birthday every year!

Publication: HUP, I, 44 (from copy in Mary Moulton-Barrett’s hand, Huntington Library).

Source: EBB’s fair copy in “Poems by EBB,” Berg Collection.

1. Dated by Mary Moulton-Barrett in “Poems by EBB II.” Also appears in chronological order in “Poems by EBB.” This celebrated the 29th birthday of EBB’s father.

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