SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE (V)

by: Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

HEN our two souls stand up erect and strong,

Face to face, silent, drawing nigh and nigher,

Until the lengthening wings break into fire

At either curving point,--what bitter wrong

Can the earth do us, that we should not long

Be here contented? Think! In mounting higher,

The angels would press on us, and aspire

To drop some golden orb of perfect song

Into our deep, dear silence. Let us stay

Rather on earth, Belovèd--where the unfit

Contrarious moods of men recoil away

And isolate pure spirits, and permit

A place to stand and love in for a day,

With darkness and the death-hour rounding it.

• Elizabeth Barrett Browning: Bibliography - A selected bibliography of the works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning; includes a list of critical resources.
• Poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning - More poetry by Browning.
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