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.