90. EBB to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 79–80.
Ode
On dearest Papas birthday. [1]
Friday May 28th 1819. Hope End
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Welcome sweet returning gladness
Welcome foe to grief and sadness,
Joy within thy sparkling eye
Yes I hear—I see thee nigh,
I hear thy footstep swift and light–
Opening to my eager sight
Thy gait thy face thy smile I see!
And all is mirth and all is—thee.
Goddess, I confess thy power
Gild thou [2] each moment, every hour,
But most [3] of all, oh Gladness, sway
The limit of this blissful day,
This day that gave a Parent birth—
Then bless the day that blest the earth.
For all in him has Heaven combined
The feeling heart, the noble mind
The spirit freed from dusts controul
And all thats godlike in the soul!
A Fathers just and worthy praise
Not Glory—but his children raise.
His praises earth and fame may ring
All may confirm—but we will sing!
Then Goddess as each coming year
This day within its course may bear,
Ever attend—each hour beguile,
And chear our bosoms by thy smile!–
E B Barrett, May 28th 1819
Hope End
Address, on integral page: E B Barrett Esqr / Hope End / Herefordshire.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
1. His 34th birthday.
2. Originally written “Thou gild”; then reversed with superior numbers.
3. Written above the line over “first” which has not been deleted.
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