Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 11, by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING


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SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 11, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: And therefore if to love can be desert
Last Line: To bless thee, yet renounce thee to thy face.
Subject(s): Love - Nature Of


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.





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