Poem by Elizabeth Barrett-Browning

Sonnets from the Portuguese. 11. And therefore if to love can be desert

And therefore if to love can be desert,
I am not all unworthy.  Cheeks as pale
As these you see, and trembling knees that fail
To bear the burden of a heavy heart,—
This weary minstrel-life that once was girt
To climb Aornus, and can scarce avail
To pipe now ’gainst the valley nightingale
A melancholy music,—why advert
To these things?  O Belovëd, it is plain
I am not of thy worth nor for thy place!
And yet, because I love thee, I obtain
From that same love this vindicating grace
To live on still in love, and yet in vain,—
To bless thee, yet renounce thee to thy face.

1. The Holy Night
2. Sonnets from the Portuguese. 40. Oh, yes! they love through all this world of ours!
3. Sonnets from the Portuguese. 25. A heavy heart, Belovëd, have I borne
4. Sonnets from the Portuguese. 41. I thank all who have loved me in their hearts
5. Sonnets from the Portuguese. 12. Indeed this very love which is my boast

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