Poems (Rossetti, 1901)/Mariana

by Christina Georgina Rossetti

MARIANA.

NOT for me marring or making,
Not for me giving or taking;
 I love my Love and he loves not me,
I love my Love and my heart is breaking.

Sweet is Spring in its lovely showing,
Sweet the violet veiled in blowing,
 Sweet it is to love and be loved;
Ah, sweet knowledge beyond my knowing!

Who sighs for love sighs but for pleasure,
Who wastes for love hoards up a treasure;
 Sweet to be loved and take no count,
Sweet it is to love without measure.

Sweet my Love whom I loved to try for,
Sweet my Love whom I love and sigh for,
 Will you once love me and sigh for me,
You my Love whom I love and die for?