SD514. Arabella Moulton-Barrett to Mary Moulton-Barrett

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 337 (in part).

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To my ever dearest Mama

On her birthday

May 1st 1825

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Dearest Mama is this your day

Then Muses come and aid my lay

For how can I alone express

Thy care for me thy tenderness

Oh my parent ever dear!

How can I without a tear,

Remember what thou didst for me,

When I could nothing do for thee.

Then can I ever cease to love,

No, my affection I will prove,

By doing all I can for thee

Who still art very kind to me.

Oh Flora crown this day with flowers,

Come come in all thy glorious powers.

For I must make Mama a wreathe,

And a bouquet for her mantlepiece.

Yes, yes it is Mama’s birthday,

Yes that it is the first of May,

Let it be a day of glee,

And happy happy let us be.

Hail sweet May’s sunshine hours,

Ever ever filled with flowers.

Oh! this is a happy day,

So much so, I need not say,

It shall remembered be by me,

Who hopes to spend it merrily.

Now dear Mama I must farewell,

I am your dearest Arabel.

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Who is quite grieved to present such a stupid letter to her she loves so very dearly but still hopes that my age will in some measure appologize

Ever believe me dearest

Mama Your ever truly

Affectionate

Arabel

Address, on cover sheet: All Regina dello giorno.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Gordon E. Moulton-Barrett.

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