172. EBB to Charles Moulton-Barrett

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 170–171.

Addressed to my beloved Storm

on his birthday

Hope End. December 28th 1822. [1]

The chords, the Minstrels fingers strike,

Now proudly soar, now softly sigh,

Yet are the echoing strings alike,

Though oftimes their wild melody

May swelling rise, or sinking die!

There let me wreath my votive lay

With gift more prized, and verse more gay–

For if Affection wake the lute,

My Brother will not wish it mute!

And while a day so glad as this

Gives Music to my harps soft tone,

I’ll ask no loftier praise than his,

No smile more radiant than his own!

Young Hope in gay perspective shews

Long dreamt of Healths seraphic form,

Led by the Mercy that arose

Like Iris from the bursting storm;

And I am blest, yet seek I where

Affection lingers—! then the while

I give thee all I can … a prayer ..

Oh! grant me all I ask … a smile!–

Dearest Storm’s

own Ba.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.

1. His 8th.

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