SD36. Elizabeth Ridley to Mary Graham-Clarke

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 305 (in part).

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[ca. 1802] [1]

No. 1.

Usquebaugh! what a treasure untold

Is convey’d in that heavenly word

More precious than silver or gold

Or all that the dry land can afford

But the sound of the plate knife & fork

These vallies & rocks never heard

Never sigh’d when a waiter cried “Cook”!

Or smil’d when clean glasses appear’d.

[illegible initials]

No. 2.

Mary Clarke! What a treasure untold

Is conveyed in those dearly lov’d words

More welcome than silver or gold

Or all that this country affords.

But the sound of the Tabor & fife

These vallies & woods never heard

She may dance all the days of her life

Whilst I, forget all but the word.

E.R.

Address, on integral page: For Mary / Graham Clarke.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Written on the reverse of a cover sheet addressed to the Revd H. Ridley, Hambledon, Near Henly upon Thames, postmarked 3 May 1802.

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