Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 19 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE SOUL'S RIALTO HATH ITS MERCHANDISE
Last Line: NO NATURAL HEAT TILL MINE GROWS COLD IN DEATH.
Subject(s): LOVE; HAIR; GIFTS & GIVING;

THE soul's Rialto hath its merchandise;
I barter curl for curl upon that mart,
And from my poet's forehead to my heart
Receive this lock which outweighs argosies, --
As purply black, as erst to Pindar's eyes
The dim purpureal tresses gloomed athwart
The nine white Muse-brows. For this counterpart, ...
The bay-crown's shade, Beloved, I surmise
Still lingers on thy curl, it is so black!
Thus, with a fillet of smooth-kissing breath,
I tie the shadows safe from gliding back,
And lay the gift where nothing hindereth;
Here on my heart, as on thy brow, to lack
No natural heat till mine grows cold in death.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net