Men and Women (Browning)/Volume 2/One Way of Love
For other versions of this work, see One Way of Love (Browning).
ONE WAY OF LOVE.
1.All June I bound the rose in sheaves. Now, rose by rose, I strip the leaves,And strew them where Pauline may pass.She will not turn aside? Alas!Let them lie. Suppose they die?The chance was they might take her eye.
2.How many a month I strove to suitThese stubborn fingers to the lute! To-day I venture all I know.She will not hear my music? So!Break the string—fold music's wing.Suppose Pauline had bade me sing!
3.My whole life long I learned to love.This hour my utmost art I proveAnd speak my passion.—Heaven or hell?She will not give me heaven? 'Tis well!Lose who may—I still can say,Those who win heaven, blest are they.