ROBERT BROWNING

727. The Last Ride together

T SAID Then, dearest, since 'tis so,

• Since now at length my fate I know,

Since nothing all my love avails, Since all, my life seem'd meant for, fails,

Since this was written and needs must be- - My whole heart rises up to bless Your name in pride and thankfulness ! Take back the hope you gave, I claim Only a memory of the same, And this beside, if you will not blame;

Your leave for one more last ride with me.

My mistress bent that brow of hers, Those deep dark eyes where pride demurs When pity would be softening through, Fix'd me a breathing-while or two

With life or death in the balance : right ! The blood replenish'd me again-; My last thought was at least not vain : I and my mistress, side by side Shall be together, breathe and ride, So, one day more am I deified.

Who knows but the world may end to-night

Hush ! if you saw some western cloud All billowy-bosom'd, over-bow'd By many benedictions sun's And moon's and evening-star's at once And so, you, looking and loving best, Conscious grew, your passion drew Cloud, sunset, moonrise, star-shine too,

86a

�� �