SD417. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to Samuel Moulton-Barrett (brother)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 331 (in part).
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[13 January] [?1822]
To
My dear King Sam on his
birthday
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As twelfth night king one morning lay in bed,
His crown layed down, his nightcap on his head,
Dozing, and dreaming o’er his state affairs
He heard a dreadful clatter on the stairs:
“What ho” cries he “what’s all this row about”
A minister replies “me thought it was your snout”
“No” cries the king “though sometimes I do snore …
… But hark! the noise is greater than before”
But lo a messenger in view appears
The king in bed his form majestic rears
“O king whilst snug and warm thou lay’st in bed
Tremendous thunders gather o’er thy head
For Sam has burst thine iron gates asunder
And rattles through the house like pealing thunder
Scorns all thy force and threatens e’en thy head
Whilst thus thou layest half asleep in bed”
Then spoke the king with rage and dreadful ire,
While from his eyes flash vivid sparks of fire
“Tell him this instant if he does not yeild
I’ll lay him flat as e’er was layed my sheild”
As yet he spake Sam opens wide the door
And pulls the naked Monarch to the floor,
Then o’er the banisters he kicks him down
And on his head he puts the monarchs crown.
_________
My dearest Sam may you long reign king of this day and live to enjoy many many happy returns of your birthday——
E M Barrett
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
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