Work And Contemplation

by


    The woman singeth at her spinning-wheel
    A pleasant chant, ballad or barcarole;
    She thinketh of her song, upon the whole,
    Far more than of her flax; and yet the reel
    Is full, and artfully her fingers feel
    With quick adjustment, provident control,
    The lines, too subtly twisted to unroll
    Out to a perfect thread. I hence appeal
    To the dear Christian Church, that we may do
    Our Father's business in these temples mirk,
    Thus swift and steadfast, thus intent and strong;
    While thus, apart from toil, our souls pursue
    Some high calm spheric tune, and prove our work
    The better for the sweetness of our song.

10

facebook share button twitter share button reddit share button share on pinterest pinterest


Add Work And Contemplation to your library.

Return to the Elizabeth Barrett Browning library

© 2022 AmericanLiterature.com