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!

#elizabeth barrett browning #existentialism #fear #love #mortality

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