SD1997. John Aubone Cook to Altham Surtees Cook
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 258 (in part).
South Benfleet Vicarage
Advent [December] 1856
To Altham
Dearest Altham, I love you,
And Mary love too,
As the God that’s above you,
Has taught me to do.
Much improved is your writing,
And Sister’s the dear.
You’ve the gift of inditing
So pray perservere.
To avoid all contention,
I’ll now, in a word,
Just make hon’rable mention
Of Altham the third.
You relate that nurse fats him,
Like pigs or like sheep;
But I’m sure when “Mam” pats him,
He should go to sleep.
The bay Mare, you say’s frisky,
But does she go right?
Does she drink Papa’s whiskey,
Or ever take fright?
So Papa’s going to Hinton,
And elsewhere to roam?
Then he’ll leave you at Wilton,
The lord of his home!
There’s no doubt you will miss him,
When once he is gone,
And in parting, you’ll kiss him,
And call him your “own”.
I am glad you like reading,
But speaking’s your forte,
So one day you’ll be pleading
In Westminster’s Court.
A great name you’ll be making,
Yet “Pup”’s somewhat loath,
That his boy should be taking
A protestant oath.
Of the Multiplication,
’Tis well you should learn
Tho’ some call it Vexation,
That thought you would spurn.
In the “Parent’s assistant,”
No doubt you will find
Some good thougths which, when distant,
Will strengthen your mind.
But ’tis time I should leave you,
The postman being nigh,
So farewell, my dear nephew,
I wish you could b’ye.
Give my love and best wishes
To dearest Papa,
And ten-thousand sweet Kisses
To babes and Mama.
Should these lines be found shallow,
You know they’re from one,
Whom men call a dull fellow,
Your own “Uncle John”.
Finis
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
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