512. One Way of Love by Robert Browning
R Browning read by Classic Poetry Aloud:\nhttp://www.classicpoetryaloud.com/\n\nGiving voice to the poetry of the past.\n\n---------------------------------------\n\nOne Way of Love\nby Robert Browning (1812 \u2013 1889)\n\n\nAll June I bound the rose in sheaves.\nNow, rose by rose, I strip the leaves\nAnd strow them where Pauline may pass.\nShe will not turn aside? Alas!\nLet them lie. Suppose they die?\nThe chance was they might take her eye.\n\nHow many a month I strove to suit\nThese stubborn fingers to the lute!\nTo-day I venture all I know.\nShe will not hear my music? So!\nBreak the string; fold music\u2019s wing:\nSuppose Pauline had bade me sing!\n\nMy whole life long I learn\u2019d to love.\nThis hour my utmost art I prove\nAnd speak my passion - heaven or hell?\nShe will not give me heaven? \u2019T is well!\nLose who may - I still can say,\nThose who win heaven, bless\u2019d are they!\n\n\nFirst aired: 2 June 2008\n\nFor hundreds more poetry readings, visit the Classic Poetry Aloud index.\n\nReading \xa9 Classic Poetry Aloud 2009