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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET TO GEORGE SAND: 2. A DESIRE by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: THOU LARGE-BRAINED WOMAN AND LARGE-HEARTED MAN
Last Line: TO KISS UPON THY LIPS A STAINLESS FAME.
Subject(s): SAND, GEORGE (1804-1876); DUPIN, AMANDA. BARONNE DUDEVANT;
THOU large-brained woman and large-hearted man,
Self-called George Sand! whose soul, amid the lions
Of thy tumultuous senses, moans defiance
And answers roar for roar, as spirits can:
I would some mild miraculous thunder ran
Above the applauded circus, in appliance
Of thine own nobler nature's strength and science,
Drawing two pinions, white as wings of swan,
From thy strong shoulders, to amaze the place
With holier light! that thou to woman's claim
And man's, mightst join beside the angel's grace
Of a pure genius sanctified from blame,
Till child and maiden pressed to thine embrace
To kiss upon thy lips a stainless fame.



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