36. EBB to Charles John Moulton-Barrett

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 29.

To dearest Storm

On his birthday Mg

Hope End December 28th 1816 [1]

My Muse come forth and touch the Heavenly lyre

Breathe the wild accent of celestial fire

Let rosy gladness celebrate this day

Let joy oer Winters gloom a vivid spark display

And thou the sweet inspirer of my lay

May Virtues choicest gifts beguile thy destined way!

May the great scource [sic] of good preserve thy life

And keep thy Virtue ever free from strife!

Then from Minervas lore lets haste away

And think of nought but gladness & of play.

Elizabeth Barrett.

Address, on integral page: To dearest Storm / on his birthday.

Publication: HUP, I, 124 (from copy in Mary Moulton-Barrett’s hand, ms unlocated).

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. His second birthday.

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