CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI

As you set it down it broke

Broke, but I did not wince ; I smiled at the speech you spoke,

At your judgement I heard : But I have not often smiled

Since then, nor question'd since, Nor cared for cornflowers wild,

Nor sung with the singing bird.

I take my heart in my hand,

O my God, O my God, My broken heart in my hand :

Thou hast seen, judge Thou. My hope was written on sand,

my God, O my God: Now let thy judgement stand

Yea, judge me now.

This contemn'd of a man,

This marr'd one heedless day, This heart take thou to scan

Both within and without : Refine with fire its gold,

Purge Thou its dross away Yea, hold it in Thy hold,

Whence none can pluck it out.

I take my heart in my hand

1 shall not die, but live Before Thy face I stand;

I, for Thou callest such : All that I have I bring,

All that I am I give, Smile Thou and I shall sing,

But shall not question much.

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