Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
An entry after one year! It's not that I forgot this place or stopped reading. It's just that I am experiencing another phase of life--moving to a country little town that in the first twenty years of my life I didn't even know it exists and trying to settle down.
Oh, I have to say sorry to those who left a comment in this blog that I couldn't manage to reply in time (and probably don't need to as most of the commentators seek urgent help and it's too late now? :-P).
Anyway, I read Sonnets form the Portuguese some time ago and read it again several days ago as my seventh anniversary with my husband arrived. In my reading second time, I was very moved (and might be over moved) by the poetess's passion and imagination, though the wording might be a little archaic. But this poetry, in my opinion, suits every person that is in love, be the love passionate or serene.
Sonnets from the Portuguese
XLIII
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,—I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!—and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
(my italic)
由 drinker 發表於 September 25, 2011 05:05 PM | 引用