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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 10 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Poet Analysis

First Line: YET, LOVE, MERE LOVE, IS BEAUTIFUL INDEED
Last Line: HOW THAT GREAT WORK OF LOVE ENHANCES NATURE'S.
Subject(s): LOVE - NATURE OF;

YET, love, mere love, is beautiful indeed
And worthy of acceptation. Fire is bright,
Let temple burn, or flax; an equal light
Leaps in the flame from cedar-plank or weed:
And love is fire. And when I say at need
I love thee ... mark! ... I love thee -- in thy sight
I stand transfigured, glorified aright,
With conscience of the new rays that proceed
Out of my face toward thine. There's nothing low
In love, when love the lowest: meanest creatures
Who love God, God accepts while loving so.
And what I feel, across the inferior features
Of what I am, doth flash itself, and show
How that great work of Love enhances Nature's.



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