A Woman's Last Word
by Robert Browning
1.
Let's contend no more, Love,
Strive nor weep --
All be as before, Love,
-- Only sleep!
2.
What so wild as words are?
-- I and thou
In debate, as birds are,
Hawk on bough!
3.
See the creature stalking
While we speak --
Hush and hide the talking,
Cheek on cheek!
4.
What so false as truth is,
False to thee?
Where the serpent's tooth is,
Shun the tree --
5.
Where the apple reddens
Never pry --
Lest we lose our Edens.
Eve and I!
6.
Be a god and hold me
With a charm --
Be a man and fold me
With thine arm!
7.
Teach me, only teach, Love!
As I ought
I will speak thy speech, Love,
Think thy thought --
8.
Meet, if thou require it,
Both demands,
Laying flesh and spirit
In thy hands!
9.
That shall be to-morrow
Not to-night:
I must bury sorrow
Out of sight.
10.
-- Must a little weep, Love,
-- Foolish me!
And so fall asleep, Love,
Loved by thee.
Source:
Men And WomenCopyright 1863
Boston: Ticknor And Fields