IV
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
· (no date)
Published 01/07/1880
Part of A Woman's Shortcomings
Unless you can think, when the song is done,
No other is soft in the rhythm;
Unless you can feel, when left by One,
That all men beside go with him;
Unless you can know, when unpraised by his breath,
That your beauty itself wants proving;
Unless you can swear—"For life, for death!"—
Oh, fear to call it loving!