Mrs. Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861)

(From Sonnets from the Portuguese)

THE FACE of all the world is changed, I think,

Since first I heard the footsteps of thy soul

Move still, oh, still, beside me; as they stole

Betwixt me and the dreadful outer brink

Of obvious death, where I, who thought to sink,

Was caught up into love and taught the whole

Of life in a new rhythm. The cup of dole

God gave for baptism, I am fain to drink,

And praise its sweetness, sweet, with thee anear;

The names of country, heaven, are changed away,

For where thou art or shalt be, there or here;

And this—this lute and song—loved yesterday

(The singing angels know) are only dear

Because thy name moves right in what they say.