Page:Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell (Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë, 1846).djvu/40

30 "Duty commands?" 'Tis true­—'tis just;

Thy slightest word I wholly trust,

Nor by request, nor faintest sigh

Would I, to turn thy purpose, try;

But, William—­hear my solemn vow—­

Hear and confirm!—­with thee I go.

"Distance and suffering," did'st thou say?

"Danger by night, and toil by day?"

Oh, idle words, and vain are these;

Hear me! I cross with thee the seas.

Such risk as thou must meet and dare,

I—­thy true wife—­will duly share.

Passive, at home, I will not pine;

Thy toils­—thy perils, shall be mine;

Grant this—­and be hereafter paid

By a warm heart's devoted aid:

'Tis granted—­with that yielding kiss,

Entered my soul unmingled bliss.

Thanks, William—­thanks! thy love has joy,

Pure—­undefiled with base alloy;

'Tis not a passion, false and blind,

Inspires, enchains, absorbs my mind;

Worthy, I feel, art thou to be

Loved with my perfect energy.

This evening, now, shall sweetly flow,

Lit by our clear fire's happy glow;