Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ZARA (1) (SEE MATURIN'S 'WOMEN'), by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ZARA (1) (SEE MATURIN'S 'WOMEN'), by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Now the pain beginneth and the word is spoken
Last Line: Knowing that I drink them, o my love, for thee.
Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina
Subject(s): Fear; Grief; Hearts; Love; Pain; Sorrow; Sadness; Suffering; Misery


Now the pain beginneth and the word is spoken; --
Hark unto the tolling of the churchyard chime! --
Once my heart was gladsome, now my heart is broken, --
Once my love was noble, now it is a crime.

But the fear is over; yea, what now shall pain me?
Arm thee in thy sorrow, O most Desolate!
Weariness and weakness, these shall now sustain me, --
Pride and bitter grieving, burning love and hate.

Yea, the fear is over, the strong fear and trembling;
I can doubt no longer, he is gone indeed.
Rend thy hair, lost woman, weep without dissembling;
The heart torn forth from it, shall the breast not bleed?

Happy she who looketh on his beauty's glory!
Happy she who listeneth to his gentle word!
Yet, O happy maiden, sorrow lies before thee;
Greeting hath been given, parting must be heard.

He shall leave thee also, he who now hath left me,
With a weary spirit and an aching heart;
Thou shalt be bereaved by him who hath bereft me;
Thou hast sucked the honey, -- feel the stinging's smart.

Let the cold gaze on him, let the heartless hear him,
For he shall not hurt them, they are safe in sooth:
But let loving women shun that man and fear him,
Full of cruel kindness and devoid of ruth.

When ye call upon him, hope for no replying;
When ye gaze upon him, think not he will look;
Hope not for his pity when your heart is sighing;
Such another, waiting, weeping, he forsook.

Hath the Heaven no thunder wherewith to denounce him?
Hath the Heaven no lightning wherewith to chastise?
O my heart and spirit, O my soul, renounce him
Who hath called for vengeance from the distant skies.

Vengeance which pursues thee, vengeance which shall find thee,
Crushing thy false spirit, scathing thy fair limb: --
O ye thunders deafen, O ye lightnings blind me,
Winds and storms from heaven, strike me but spare him.

I forgive thee, dearest, cruel, I forgive thee; --
May thy cup of sorrow be poured out for me;
Though the dregs be bitter yet they shall not grieve me,
Knowing that I drink them, O my love, for thee.





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