183. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 184–185.
[London]
May 14th 1823.
My ever dearest Bazy.
Though coolness is a very desirable thing at this season of the year and on such a roasting day as this yet there is a particular sort of coolness which only tends to put you into a fever, and it is this description which you have practised towards me in not writing to me this week[.] There you go again, last quarter you missed several letters and I was fool enough to write to you on Saturday but I shall completely alter my plan, and next time I come home and do not find a letter from you, I will be as cool as you and let you foam away as much as you please. When I went to Charter House I was surrounded on all sides and deafened with exclaimations such as “I thought you had left” and some went so far as to address me as my ghost for [there] had been a report spread that I was dead, I find the school not so much altered as I expected they have only enlarged the windows which certainly is a great improvement, but I believe they have reserved the more extensive alterations for the long holidays, I am now reading sentences from Xenophon—which I find pretty easy. Watky enquired after Papa very particularly, I can assure you he is a great favorite with him. Mr Mc Swiney came for us today to the Charter House and hearing that John was in Town we took the Hummum’s [1] where he lodges in our way but he was not at home however he has promised to be hear [sic] either today or tommorrow to see us, Good bye my dearest Bazy ever believe me
your affectionately attached
Brozy
You may depend upon hearing from me next Saturday, provided you are not too lazy to write to me——
Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett / Hope End / Ledbury / Herefordshire.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. A contemporary Directory lists two lodging houses of this name, Old Hummums and New Hummums, both in Covent Garden.
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