I DRAGGED my life along with sullen sighs In heaviness of body and of soul, Knowing not yet the Muse's high control And honor that she brings her votaries, Until the hour I loved you. Then your eyes Became my guide to lead to virtue's goal, Where I might win that knowledge fair and whole Which by true loving makes men nobly wise. O love, my all, if aught of good I do, If worthily of your dear eyes I write, You are the cause, yours is the potency. My perfect grace comes ever but from you, You are my spirit! If I work aright, 'Tis you that do it, you that work in me. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MARY DONNELLY by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM SONNET: TO HOMER by JOHN KEATS THE CROWING OF THE RED COCK by EMMA LAZARUS A LETTER FROM A GIRL TO HER OWN OLD AGE by ALICE MEYNELL OLD MOTHERS by CHARLES SARSFIELD ROSS SEASONS (1) by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI |