302. EBB to Mary Moulton-Barrett

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 134–135.

[Hope End]

To my beloved Mama,

May 1st 1828 [1]

While weakness doth impede thy steps,

And sickness pales thy cheek,

What words befit my pen to write—

Befit my voice to speak?

No mournful words—no mournful words—

For, aye, my thoughts recline

On days, when joy may light our eyes,

To see the health in thine!

When pain may from thy gentle brow,

As from our breasts, remove—

And thou mayst give us happiness,—

Who ever giv’st us love!

Belovéd! to thee I write no more,

Than what is written there!

My heart is silenced by its thoughts—!

The silence hath a prayer!

For could I look to such dear hope,

And pass the Giver, by?

No! —all the brightest scenes of earth,

Are bounded with the sky!

Your affectionate & grateful Ba.

Docket, on reverse, in EBB’s hand: The last 1st of May.

Publication: HUP, II, 95.

Manuscript: University of Texas.

1. Her 47th and last birthday.

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