SD493. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to Charles John Moulton-Barrett
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 335 (in part).
[ ]
[28 December] [?1824]
To
dearest Storm
on
his birthday.
_________
How vain the attempt how vain is every art,
How vain the efforts of the poets skill,
To speak the feelings of a brother’s heart
And bid weak words a task so hard fulfil–
Then how presumptious is a lay like mine
To sing of one so well beloved as thou,
If poets pen should that attempt resign.
Sure mine must be a silent goose quill now.
But I will on, though others seek t’ upbraid
And though in scorn proud critics frown the while,
Yet I will on, and find my toil repaid,
My every hope accomplished in thy smile–
May many a year this day restore to thee
And may I live those happy days to see–
Address, on integral page: C. J. Barrett, Esqr / Hope End.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
___________________
