173. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 171–172.
[London]
Feby 9th 1823——
My ever dearest Ba
I believe I forgot to tell you that we were examined on tuesday and on Wednesday in our Ovid & Homer by Russell and came off extremely well, Russell has made a new regulation, that there are to be only eighteen in each form mine and the one above, so he turned down the four worst to make up the number, so I am afraid it will be rather more difficult to get up into the higher form, on tuesday we had an English theme to make, the subject was Justice, and I got first in it, the following day we had, thesis verses on the North Pole in Latin, and I was again first. Can you fancy Sam spouting English poetry he actually learns eight lines every day and was spouting in bed this morning “Ye imps of solomon.” instead of “Ye nymphs of Solyma.” [1] Watky has quite recovered from his gout or rheumatism or whatever he chooses to call [it] but his temper seems to fall off with every attack I always thought him rather passionate, but now he does nothing all day in school but fly over the benches, knock the boys down &c, &c, to be sure he is very good-natured when he is not in a passion but he puts one in mind of a man who was going to part with his servant why says he “John what are you going to leave me for” “Sir says “John [2] you are too passionate” “too [sic] be sure” says he “I am sometimes put in a passion but I am soon out of it and then I am always very indulgent” “Yes Sir” says John “but you are no sooner out of one than your [sic] in another.” I must finish my letter my dearest Ba <as> tea is nearly ready
ever believe me your affectionate
Brozy——
Addressed and franked by EBB’s uncle on integral page: London Feby. twelve 1823 / Miss Barrett / Hope End / Ledbury / S M Barrett.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. The opening words of Pope’s pastoral poem “Messiah” (1712).
2. Quotation marks occur as shown.
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