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1806–1861

XXIII.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Is it indeed so? If I lay here dead, Wouldst thou miss any life in losing mine? And would the sun for thee more coldly shine Because of grave-damps falling round my head?

I marvelled, my Beloved, when I read Thy thought so in the letter. I am thine — But... so much to thee? Can I pour thy wine While my hands tremble? Then my soul, instead

Of dreams of death, resumes life's lower range. Then, love me, Love! look on me — breathe on me! As brighter ladies do not count it strange, For love, to give up acres and degree,

I yield the grave for thy sake, and exchange My near sweet view of Heaven, for earth with thee!

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XXIII. · Elizabeth Barrett Browning · Poetry Cove