Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)
Sonnets from the Portuguese: VII
1The face of all the world is changed, I think,
2Since first I heard the footsteps of thy soul
3Move still, oh, still, beside me, as they stole
4Betwixt me and the dreadful outer brink
5Of obvious death, where I, who thought to sink,
6Was caught up into love, and taught the whole
7Of life in a new rhythm. The cup of dole
8God gave for baptism, I am fain to drink,
9And praise its sweetness, Sweet, with thee anear.
10The names of country, heaven, are changed away
11For where thou art or shalt be, there or here;
12And this . . . this lute and song . . . loved yesterday,
13(The singing angels know) are only dear
14Because thy name moves right in what they say.
Online text copyright © 2009, Ian Lancashire (the Department of English) and the University of Toronto.
Published by the Web Development Group, Information Technology Services, University of Toronto Libraries.
Original text: A Selection from the Poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. First Series. New Edition. London: Smith, Elder, & Co., 1886. 1: 181-202.
First publication date:
1850
RPO poem editor: Marc R. Plamondon
RP edition: 2007
Recent editing: 2:2007/11/24
Composition date:
1846
Form: sonnet
Other poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
