The Complete Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browing Volume 5; Aurora Leigh (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 Excerpt: ...day, And men may well come hither when they're sick, To draw in easier breath from larger air. 'Tis thus with me; I come to you, --to you My Italy of women, just to breathe My soul out once before you, ere I go, As humble as God makes me at the last 360 (I thank Him), quite out of the way of men And yours, Aurora, --like a punished child, His cheeks all blurred with tears and naughtiness, To silence in a corner. I am come To speak, beloved ..". "Wisely, cousin Leigh, And worthily of us both ' "Yes, worthily; For this time I must speak out and confess That I, so truculent in assumption once, So absolute in dogma, proud in aim, And fierce in expectation, --I, who felt 370 The whole world tugging at my skirts for help, As if no other man than I could pull, Nor woman but I led her by the hand, Nor cloth hold but I had it in my coat, Do know myself to-night for what I was On that June-day, Aurora. Poor bright day, Which meant the best... a woman and a rose, And which I smote upon the cheek with words Until it turned and rent me Young you were, That birthday, poet, but you talked the right: 380 While I, ... I built up follies like a wall To intercept the sunshine and your face. Your face that's worse." "Speak wisely, cousin Leigh." "Yes, wisely, dear Aurora, though too late: But then, not wisely. I was heavy then, And stupid, and distracted with the cries Of tortured prisoners in the polished brass Of that Phalarian bull, society, Which seems to bellow bravely like ten bulls, But, if you listen, moans and cries instead 390 Despairingly, like victims tossed and gored And trampled by their hoofs. I heard the cries Too close: I could not hear the angels lift A fold of rustling air, nor what they said To help my pity. I beheld the wor...