Poems (Probyn)/Sonnet.—Dante's wife
SONNET.—DANTE'S WIFE.
My husband, will you grieve for Gemma dead?
I think you count me as a faithful thing
For rocking children, and for comforting—
A little set aside as soon as wed.
I know I have not followed where you led,
And yet I think between the bars you sing
That you will miss my woman's ministering,
The house-things minded, and the children fed.
And though your soul with noble dreams be rife,
I think you'll not forget to step anigh,
Whose greatness glorified my common life,
And look on me when I in grave-clothes lie:
I've been that blesséd thing, the poet's wife—
Oh, master,—friend,—smile on me—and goodbye!
I think you count me as a faithful thing
For rocking children, and for comforting—
A little set aside as soon as wed.
I know I have not followed where you led,
And yet I think between the bars you sing
That you will miss my woman's ministering,
The house-things minded, and the children fed.
And though your soul with noble dreams be rife,
I think you'll not forget to step anigh,
Whose greatness glorified my common life,
And look on me when I in grave-clothes lie:
I've been that blesséd thing, the poet's wife—
Oh, master,—friend,—smile on me—and goodbye!