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1806–1861

X.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Yet, love, mere love, is beautiful indeed And worthy of acceptation. Fire is bright, Let temple burn, or flax; an equal light Leaps in the flame from cedar-plank or weed:

And love is fire. And when I say at need I love thee... mark!... I love thee — in thy sight I stand transfigured, glorified aright, With conscience of the new rays that proceed

Out of my face toward thine. There's nothing low In love, when love the lowest: meanest creatures Who love God, God accepts while loving so. And what I feel, across the inferior features

Of what I am, doth flash itself, and show How that great work of Love enhances Nature's.

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X. · Elizabeth Barrett Browning · Poetry Cove