185. EBB to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 187.

To my ever dearest Papa

On his birthday May 28th 1823 [1]

Hope End.

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Oh! sacred be the pure, and gentle song,

That may the hearts of list’ning friends beguile,

Flowing in modulated verse along!

Whose first Ambition is to please awhile,

A Parents birth, its theme—its hope, a fathers smile!

Then let Affection bring, in fairy urn,

Kind words, and looks, to youthful mem’ry dear,

And little tales, that never can return—!

Fondly, I’ll sketch the loved memorials here,

T’ excite the tender smile, & wake the grateful tear.

My Father! fondest! kindest! dearest! best!

Who taught my infant fingers first to bear

Th’ Aonian lute—oh! mayst thou be most blest!

From a benignant smile can Heav’n forbear?

Thy worth exacts the wish—thy children breathe the prayer—!

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Your own affectionate child

Ba.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.

1. His 38th.

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