Robert Browning

“ On the weather-side, black, spotted white with the wind:
"Good fortune departs, and disaster's behind,"—
Hark, the wind with its wants and its infinite wail!
2.
Our fig-tree, that leaned for the saltness, has furled
Her five fingers,
Each leaf like a hand opened wide to the world
Where there lingers
No glint of the gold, Summer sent for her sake:
How the vines writhe in rows, each impaled on its stake!
My heart shrivels up and my spirit shrinks curled. ”

“ For the rabbit that robs, scarce a blade or a bent;
If a magpie alight now, it seems an event;
And they both will be gone at November's rebuff.
4.
But why must cold spread? but wherefore bring change
To the spirit,
God meant should mate His with an infinite range,
And inherit
His power to put life in the darkness and cold?
Oh, live and love worthily, bear and be bold!
Whom Summer made friends of, let Winter estrange!
IV.
ALONG THE BEACH.
1. ”

“ The white breast of the sea-lark twitters sweet.
2.
That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true;
⁠Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.
If you loved only what were worth your love,
Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you:
⁠Make the low nature better by your throes!
Give earth yourself, go up for gain above! ”