46. EBB to Mary Moulton-Barrett

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 37.

To my dearest Mama

on her birthday

Hope End May 1st 1817 [1]

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From the wide Heavens Aurora bends her flight,

Her rosy finger opes the gates of light,

Apollo’s ensigns grace the spotless sky,

And Natures robes bespeak simplicity;

Then hail dear Herald of the Summers train,

Thy smile lifts Winter from the grateful plain:

Peace and religion unto the[e] are prest

And virtue ever riegns [sic] within thy breast;

And oh may we thy anxious cares repay,

Close followers of thy step in truths fair way:

In hope of Heavens delic[i]ous joys to rest,

To be for ever good, for ever blest.

_________

Elizabeth Barrett.

Address, on integral page: Mrs Barrett / Hope End / Herefordshire.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Her 36th birthday.

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