53. EBB to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 45–46.
[Hope End]
[ca. November 1817] [1]
My very dear Papa
We received your welcome letter last night if you had been witness of the burst of joy which ensued on the arrival of the papers you could have guessed how much we love you at present it is impossible– Hope End in spite of the romantic prospects which environ it in spite of the beauty of beholding Nature wrapt in her bridal robe which we have at present is dull and is lonely[;] the sun rolls over our heads—no Papa is here to greet us with his hospitable smile– The moon shakes off her yoke— No whig to enlighten our fire side hours with history of the election– Yet Yet Yet—inexorable Fate can no prayer however urgent separate (as Hanibal softened with vinegar the Alps) [2] can no prayer separate the links of that chain that holds the lord of Hope End away from his manor– We hope so and we exist upon those hopes– Mr McSwiney says you are a real Stoic I trust stoicism does not prevent you from loving us– Mathews set off the day after we received your letter for “The Hill” but I understand he behaved in a very ungallant manner for he commenced his journey without waiting for the company of Aurora [3] – But I must not be partial perhaps it might be the Goddesses fault for laying it [sic] bed too late or perhaps I might take that blame off her shoulders by assuring you she had a bad cold or a headache and why not so– Homer (whose word ought to be taken) affirms Cytherea was wounded by Diomede[s] at the siege of Troy and Jove threatened Minerva with the pains of Tartarus for giving the Greeks assistance [4] —nay Jove himself according to the mythologists was distracted with such “infernal pains” in the head he was obliged to trouble Vulcan to cleave it open [5] then under such instances I think we can do no less that [sic] to excuse the rosy fingered inocent Goddess of the small crime of laziness—
I have been reading Lord Byrons Corsair &c how foolish I have been not to read them before they did not entertain me much as I have perused the extracts and the reviews on them– Malgré [6] this however I think many of the passages exquisitely beautiful the parting of Conrad and Medora & the intercesory between the hero and Gulnare are in my humble opinion two of the most beautiful– Tell Babes you know I do love her & did always—tell her also I have gotten a few nice story books for her or if she is more learned sermons travels & History– I am afraid I have transgressed much beyond the bounds alloted to me— and after having sent as many Kisses as you can give to my beloved and kind Grandmama and Treps I remain your
ever most affectionate & loving Daughter—
Elizth Barrett—
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: British Library.
1. Dated by the reference to Daniel McSwiney, who began tutoring Bro and EBB in 1817, and by the mention of “Babes” (their sister Arabella). This letter was probably written after EBB’s return to Hope End from her 1817 visit to Ramsgate, where Arabella remained until May 1819, after which she was taken to Worthing.
2. Livy, XXI, 37.
3. i.e., too early to carry EBB’s letter. Mathews has not been identified, but might have been the cabinet maker of that name in Ledbury. He was obviously used in some general capacity by the Hope End household.
4. Iliad, bks. V and VIII.
5. According to legend, Minerva sprang from the head of Jove when Vulcan split it open with his axe.
6. “In spite of.”
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