57. EBB, Edward, Henrietta & Samuel Moulton-Barrett to Mary Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 49–50.
[Hope End]
[ca. 1818] [1]
My dear old Lady
With the hope of succeeding in this our favorite project we beg you not to disdain the bad paper & worse pen which combine with us to beg you by every thing which you hold m<os>t [2] dear to endeavour to l<e>nd us those ever wise counsels which we prize so much to try, to get that old rogue Papa to let us fix a day to go to Kinnersley[.] The pleasure it can give us no one can know—indeed it is past human comprehension. Do you not think dearest mam it would be a good way to write a nice funny letter to him, he is in a very good humour indeed whatever you think tell us pray write directly and stick it in one of the stones at the entrance to the cavern [3] if you are out of doors pray come in for one instant and scratch one line remember in every word of assent there is a healing balm if you are in the house send it to our lodge[.] Do you think it will be a good way to tell Edward to speak to Papa of it af<ter> dinner—for Heavens <sake> Mama be quick w<e’ll be> almost dead in the <mean>time we remain <your> ever dutiful & Lovi<ng> Sons & Daughters
Sam Barrett
Henrietta Barre<tt>
Edward Barret<t>
Elizabeth Bar<rett>
Address, on integral page: Mrs Barrett / Hope End.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. Conjectured dating based on handwriting. The letter is all in EBB’s hand, except the other children’s signatures.
2. Ink blot.
3. The grotto at Hope End.
___________________
