SD483.1. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)
Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 1.
[ ]
[28 May] [?1824]
To
My dearest Papa
on
his birthday
_________
Roused from her hallowed haunts no Muse I pray
To grant her spirit to assist my lay,
From the proud nine no boon do I require,
Nor ask one spark of bright Parnassian fire
To breathe its spirit through the growing theme
And gild my verse with its refulgent beam.
But there’s a spirit since the world began,
Infused with life, throughout the frame of man.
For some ambition sheds his direful ray
To light them on to grandeur, for a day,
In some, the patriots soul instinctive glows,
And Eloquence, for some majestic flows.
But all acknowledge sweet affections weight,
Whether in war, in grandeur, or the state;
The Warrior rushing to the din of war,
Thinks of His country and his friends afar.
And e’en the patriots breast must sometimes move,
With sweet affection, and the voice of love.
If then, you’ll ask, it dwells in every breast.
Why boast it now, nor leave your muse at rest,
If, I reply, love varies in its hue,
The brightest tint of all shines here for you.
Address, on integral page: E. M. Barrett Esqr. / Farm / Hope End.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
___________________
