214. Henrietta Moulton-Barrett to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 216.

Hope End

March 6th 1825

As my beloved Ba knows that like herself I am not a great advocate at any time for birthday addresses, she can hardly imagine I should venture to attempt one, on such a natal day as this; for indeed I very much doubt a pen however skilled could succeed in the expression of those feelings with which my heart now beats; could she think then that I whose pen is so unskilled would dare to tax myself with so tremendous a task? No, it would indeed be as presuming as unfeasible. But I will not demand a pardon for my inexp[i]ability I will leave it to her to imagine my feelings.

Yet this my much loved Ba I cannot omit to wish you every happiness this world can afford, that all your wishes both now & ever may be fulfilled & that you may ever believe me

Your devotedly attached

& most affectionate

Henrietta

Address on integral page: Miss Barrett.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

___________________