182. EBB to Mary Moulton-Barrett

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 184.

To my dearest Mama.

On her birthday

Hope End May 1st 1823. [1]

“Benedetto sia’l giorno, e’l mese e il anno” [2] —

Petrarque’s 46th Sonnet

Within the merry month of May,

When eyes are bright and hopes are gay—

The rustic train the pale embowers,

In vernal wreaths of laughing flowers–

(A votive off’ring to the Sun

Which he may smile to look upon)

Dancing around to those sweet lays

That light hearts breathe on sunny days.

So while thy children round thee climb,

And fondly lisp the birthday rhyme,

With them I’ll twine my offering here,

To deck the May pole of the year–

For like yon orb of bright degree

Thou nursed the flowers, thou’lt smile to see!

Your always affectionate

Ba.

Address on integral page: Mrs Barrett / Tea Urn / near Slopbasin / Breakfasttable / China.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.

1. Her 42nd.

2. “Blest be the day, and the month and the year” (Sonnet 47, not 46).

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