42. EBB, Edward & Henrietta Moulton-Barrett to Mary Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 34–35.
[Hope End]
[ca. 1817] [1]
Lov[l]iest of all lovly Beings whose eyes like the rays of the Sun bring comfort wherever they deign to glance
We thy children [2] rival of Venus beg and beseech thee by Juno Jupiter Minerva Mars The nine Muses and all the Gods immortal or Demi-Gods to give ear to us and not to cast away our Prayer as Joves Consort did that of Troy– This request is as follows–
That as we are now in the golden age and have parted from inexorable Jupiter show yourself as Saturn and do not refuse us the boon to have a little supper among ourselves the three Graces a few saussuages will crown us with joy like that Jove himself would impart by giving us one shake of that ambrosial head indeed (begging his Majesty’s pardon) we would be still more at the |summit| of bliss as we should not be terrified out of our wits niether should we be almost knocked out of our seats by the same inexorable monarch niether should we if displeased be kicked down to Tartarus [3] to help the miscreant to roll up a stone to the top of the hill– [4] In consideration of this you will not We are certain refuse us this priveledge
If so or not we shall always I hope remain as the Stygian flood always loved certainly always loving you–
EBB
EMB. HBB
How many kisses more I know not
Address, on integral page: Mrs Barrett / Hope End–
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. Conjectural dating based on handwriting and style of expression.
2. Entire letter, including signatures, appears to be in hand of EBB. The other initials represent Edward Moulton-Barrett and Henrietta Moulton-Barrett. On page 4, across fold from address, three wax seals appear. Left to right, they are labelled “Henrietta,” “Bro,” and “Ba.”
3. The infernal regions of mythology.
4. The punishment of Sisyphus was to roll a huge stone up a hill; as it constantly rolled down again, his task was everlasting.
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