A Woman's Last Word

I.

Let's contend no more, Love,

Strive nor weep:

All be as before, Love,

---Only sleep!

II.

What so wild as words are?

I and thou

In debate, as birds are,

Hawk on bough!

III.

See the creature stalking

While we speak!

Hush and hide the talking,

Cheek on cheek!

IV.

What so false as truth is,

False to thee?

Where the serpent's tooth is

Shun the tree---

V.

Where the apple reddens

Never pry---

Lest we lose our Edens,

Eve and I.

VI.

Be a god and hold me

With a charm!

Be a man and fold me

With thine arm!

VII.

Teach me, only teach, Love

As I ought

I will speak thy speech, Love,

Think thy thought---

VIII.

Meet, if thou require it,

Both demands,

Laying flesh and spirit

In thy hands.

IX.

That shall be to-morrow

Not to-night:

I must bury sorrow

Out of sight:

X

---Must a little weep, Love,

(Foolish me!)

And so fall asleep, Love,

Loved by thee.

Robert Browning