728. Misconceptions

Robert Browning. 1812-1889


    THIS is a spray the Bird clung to,
      Making it blossom with pleasure,
    Ere the high tree-top she sprung to,
      Fit for her nest and her treasure.
      O, what a hope beyond measure
Was the poor spray's, which the flying feet hung to,--
So to be singled out, built in, and sung to!

    This is a heart the Queen leant on,
      Thrill'd in a minute erratic,
    Ere the true bosom she bent on,
      Meet for love's regal dalmatic.
      O, what a fancy ecstatic
Was the poor heart's, ere the wanderer went on--
Love to be saved for it, proffer'd to, spent on!

The Oxford Book of English Verse, HTML edition