A LOVE STORY

“I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett.” The letter sent in January 1845, began like other letters Elizabeth Barrett received from many admirers of her poems. The letters and her poetry were the only brightness in her quiet life. But she was surprised at this particular admirer, himself a famous poet. Forced by strong feelings he impulsi­vely added to his letter, “And I love you, too.” Elizabeth was not expec­ting romance. She had been ill for many years. Her illness caused her to be isolated in her London home, which had been tightly ruled by her father for the 40 years of her life.

Now Robert Browning was de­claring his love, written boldly across the page. He had fallen in love with this sensitive, gentle woman. As their correspondence continued, Brow­ning’s enthusiastic zest for life gave Elizabeth a new desire to enjoy life as he did. She returned his love in many letters even before they met. Against her father’s opposition, they eloped in September 1846 and settled in Italy.

They flourished as poets together. Elizabeth regained her health and vigor for life in the warmth of the Italian sun and in Robert’s love. Their relationship became a famous love story of the 19th century. Elizabeth died in Browning’s arms in 1861, perhaps remembering the words of her poem:

“...and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.”

Sonnet 43

By Elizabeth Barret Browning (1806 – 1861)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace

I love thee to the level of everyday’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candle light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints – I love thee with the breath.

Smiles, tears, of all my life! – and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

Task 2

2.1. Read the article about the great English writer Charles Dickens and highlight the most important facts in his biography.

Date: 2015-02-03; view: 892