SD556. Edward Moulton-Barrett (brother) to Edward Moulton-Barrett (father)
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 340 (in part).
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[28 May] [?1826]
To dearest Papa
on
his birthday!
_________
If ere pure thoughts inhabit mortal breast,
If ere affection’s voice be found sincere,
If mem’ry clothe past years in brighter vest
Then at less hallowed times they may appear,
Tis when we think on those who bless our home,
When sweet affection speaks a parent’s birth,
When mem’ry points to past time’s flow’ry tomb,
And tells of all we’ve held most dear on earth.
Since last this pen essayed thy birth to sing,
Absence has clouded all the time between
But as a transient shower in early spring
It only served to beautify the scene.
Oh may this day a happy emblem prove
Of future peace, and years of unmixed joy,
My the dear hope to merit still thy love,
Suggest each art, and every thought employ.
Address, on integral page: E M Barrett Esqre / Hope End.
Publication: Marks, p. 349 (in part).
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
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