Poem by Elizabeth Barrett-Browning

An Apprehension

IF all the gentlest-hearted friends I know
Concentred in one heart their gentleness,
That still grew gentler till its pulse was less
For life than pity,--I should yet be slow
To bring my own heart nakedly below
The palm of such a friend, that he should press
Motive, condition, means, appliances,

My false ideal joy and fickle woe,
Out full to light and knowledge; I should fear
Some plait between the brows, some rougher chime
In the free voice. O angels, let your flood
Of bitter scorn dash on me ! do ye hear
What I say who hear calmly all the time
This everlasting face to face with GOD? 

1. The Holy Night
2. Sonnets from the Portuguese. 41. I thank all who have loved me in their hearts
3. Sonnets from the Portuguese. 25. A heavy heart, Belovëd, have I borne
4. The House of Clouds
5. Rosalind's Scroll

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