55. EBB to Charles John Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 47–48.
To dearest Charles John
On his birthday– Hope End December 28th 1817 [1]
With wishes for his prosperity–
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Oh child beloved, Affections Muse
Shall welcome thee with kindred mirth
Nor shall her hallowed breath refuse
<To> [2] hail dear Stormy at his birth.
——
Neptune joy for thou hast borne
Our little treasure—tho’ opprest
He made of thee a grievous mourn
And feared thy Ministers blue vest [3]
——
Let the mighty Thunderer
Who the highest takes his place
<Turn> him from the tracks of war
And give the nod before thy <sweet face.>
——
May Pluto from the eternal seat
Dupe to none tho deep their wiles
Suffer at sweet joys intreat
His iron brow relax in smiles.
——
Sister Fates whose magic song
Gives to lifes whole course a limit
Slowly draw this thread along
<Whi>ch winds both grace and virtue in it
——
Powers above with Heavenly mirth
<Wit>h sparkling nectar crown the bowl
And drink to Storm at Stormy’s birth
<T>hat years around his head may roll
——
Dear child accept a Sisters lay
An anxious Sisters pledge of love
May joy urge on the hours this day
<And> lifes whole course as happy prove
_________
E B Barrett
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. His third birthday.
2. Manuscript shows excessive wear. Reconstruction made by comparison with Mary Moulton-Barrett’s copy in “Poems by EBB.”
3. The copy in the hand of EBB’s mother carried a footnote explaining this line as follows: “The bathing Women at Ramsgate, objects of alarm this year to the hero of these verses.” It was the function of these women (called dippers) to stand at the foot of the steps of the bathing machine, ready to seize and immerse reluctant bathers.
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