Mrs. Browning's Seventh
from Sonnets from the Portuguese Elizabeth Barrett Browning VII The face of all the world is changed, I think, Since first I heard the footsteps of thy soul Move still, oh, still, beside me, as they stole Betwixt me and the dreadful outer brink Of obvious death, where I, who thought to sink, Was caught up into love, and taught the whole Of life in a new rhythm. The cup of dole God gave for baptism, I am fain to drink, And praise its sweetness, Sweet, with thee anear. The names of country, heaven, are changed away For where thou art or shall be, there or here; And this . . . this lute and song . . . loved yesterday, (The singing angels know) are only dear Because thy name moves right in what they say. We continue the theme of the salvation that love has wrought. This salvation makes itself known in a complete transformation of life--"The face of all the world is changed, I think. . . " But it is a salvation with uncertainty. The addition ...