285. Arabella Moulton-Barrett to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 111

Hope End.

March 6th 1828

Here is another day that has brought forth a fresh source of happiness, to us, every thing denotes it to be my ever dearest Ba’s birthday. How can my pen indite what the feelings of my heart are on this occasion no they cannot be described by anybody, not even by Apollo himself, he even gives up the attempt, he says it is vain, and I am afraid I shall be obliged to follow his example. The next time you meet with Fame my dearest Ba, I hope she will not sink from you so soon as she did the last time you had the pleasure of seeing her but that she will stay with you a little longer, and give you a more clear idea of her beauty. Many many happy returns of your birthday my dearest Ba I am your ever

Affectionate Arabel.

Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett / Hope End / Ledbury.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.

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