‘And used me in your noble work, our work,
‘And now you shall not cast me off because
‘You’re at the difficult point, the join. ’Tis true
‘Even if I can scarce admit the cogency
‘Of such a marriage . . where you do not love
‘(Except the class), yet marry and throw your name
‘Down to the gutter, for a fire-escape
‘To future generation! it’s sublime,
‘A great example,—a true Genesis
‘Of the opening social era. But take heed;
‘This virtuous act must have a patent weight,
‘Or loses half its virtue. Make it tell,
‘Interpret it, and set it in the light,
‘And do not muffle it in a winter-cloak
‘As a vulgar bit of shame,—as if, at best,
‘A Leigh had made a misalliance and blushed
‘A Howard should know it.’ Then, I pressed him more—
‘He would not choose,’ I said, ‘that even his kin, . .
‘Aurora Leigh, even . . should conceive his act
‘Less sacrifice, more appetite.’ At which
He grew so pale, dear, . . to the lips, I knew
I had touched him. ‘Do you know her,’ he inquired,
‘My cousin Aurora?’ ‘Yes,’ I said, and lied,
(But truly we all know you by your books)
And so I offered to come straight to you,
Explain the subject, justify the cause,
And take you with me to Saint Margaret’s Court
To see this miracle, this Marian Erle,