Robert Browning,
Doctor ——
(1880)
“ Descend to earth in shape Of mortal, marry, drain from froth to lees "The bitter draught, then see if thou escape Concluding, with men sorrowful and sage, 20 A Bad Wife's strength Death's self in vain would ape!" ”
Robert Browning,
Doctor ——
(1880)
“ Wealth fails to tempt thee: what if honours prove More efficacious? Nought to him I grudge "Who saves me. Only keep my head above The cloud that's creeping round it—I'll divide My empire with thee! No? What's left but—love? 180 "Does love allure thee? Well then, take as bride My only daughter, fair beyond belief! Save me—to-morrow shall the knot be tied!" "Father, you hear him! Respite ne'er so brief Is all I beg: go now and come again Next day, for aught I care: respect the grief "Mine will be if thy first-born sues in vain!" ”
Robert Browning,
Doctor ——
(1880)
“ Truth will corrupt thee, soon thou doubt'st no more! "Why is it I bestow on thee the boon Of recognizing me the while I go Invisibly among men, morning, noon, 60 "And night, from house to house, and—quick or slow— Take my appointed prey? They summon thee For help, suppose: obey the summons! so! "Enter, look round! Where's Death? Know—I am he, Satan who work all evil: I who bring Pain to the patient in whate'er degree. ”
