69. EBB to Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother)

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 61.

To my dearest dear Bro, alias Edward, on his

Birth day– June 26th 1818. [1] – Hope End

To sing no mighty deeds, I call the Muse

To sweep those chords once more,—I bid them swell

In fainter notes to tell a Sisters love

A Brothers birth– Oh day so dear, how oft

The lyre has welcomed thy returning joys–

When love unites her garland to the flowers

Of liberal Natures hand, & joy completes!

And Oh my Brother, may the hand of Heav’n

Preserve in happiness thy growing years!

May truth & Virtue guide thy steps to fame,

May Heav’n in peace & joy prolong thy days!

Years from thy life remorseless time has stolen

With ten fold interest, years may he repay!

Publication: None traced.

Source: Copy in Mary Moulton-Barrett’s hand in “Poems by EBB,” Berg Collection.

1. His 11th birthday.

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