The fly that lit upon thee To stretch the tendrils of its tiny feet Along thy leaf's pure edges after heat,— If 'lighting now, would coldly overrun thee. The bee that once did suck thee, And build thy perfumed ambers up his hive, And swoon in thee for joy, till scarce alive,— If passing now, would blindly overlook thee. The heart doth recognize thee, Alone, alone! the heart doth smell thee sweet, Doth view thee fair, doth judge thee most complete, 20 24 Perceiving all those changes that disguise thee. 28 Yes, and the heart doth owe thee More love, dead rose, than to any roses bold Which Julia wears at dances, smiling cold :Lie still upon this heart which breaks below thee! 1846. Elizabeth Barrett Browning. 32 A MAN'S REQUIREMENTS LOVE me, Sweet, with all thou art, Love me in the lightest part, Love me in full being. A Man's Requirements Love me with thine open youth With the vowing of thy mouth, Love me with thine azure eyes, Can Heaven's truth be wanting? Love me with their lids, that fall Snowlike at first meeting; Love me with thine hand stretched out Love me with thy loitering foot,— Hearing one behind it. Love me with thy voice, that turns Love me with thy blush that burns Love me with thy thinking soul, Break it to love-sighing; Love me with thy thoughts that roll On through living-dying. Love me in thy gorgeous airs, When the world has crowned thee; 8 12 16 20 24 28 1846. Love me, kneeling at thy prayers, With the angels round thee. Love me pure, as musers do, Up the woodlands shady: Love me gaily, fast and true, As a winsome lady. Through all hopes that keep us brave, Further off or nigher, Love me for the house and grave, And for something higher. Thus, if thou wilt prove me, Dear, I will love thee-half a year— 32 36 40 44 Elizabeth Barrett Browning. |