XI

And therefore if to love can be desert,
I am not all unworthy. Cheeks as pale
As these you see, and trembling knees that fail
To bear the burden of a heavy heart,—
This weary minstrel-life that once was girt
To climb Aornus, and can scarce avail
To pipe now 'gainst the valley nightingale
A melancholy music,—why advert
To these things? O Beloved, it is plain
I am not of thy worth nor for thy place!
And yet, because I love thee, I obtain
From that same love this vindicating grace,
To live on still in love, and yet in vain,—
To bless thee, yet renounce thee to thy face.

Added: Feb 21 2003 | Viewed: 1986 times | Comments (0)

Poet: Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Poem: Sonnet 11 - And therefore if to love can be desert
Volume: Sonnets from the Portuguese
Year: Published/Written in 1850
Poem of the Day on:
Nov 13 2003
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