Prometheus Bound, and other poems/Change upon Change

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

 

CHANGE UPON CHANGE.

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I.

FIVE months ago, the stream did flow,
⁠The lilies bloomed along the edge;
And we were lingering to and fro,—
Where none will track thee in this snow,
⁠Along the stream, beside the hedge.
Ah, sweet, be free to love and go!
⁠For if I do not hear thy foot,
⁠The frozen river is as mute,—
⁠The flowers have dried down to the root;
⁠And why, since these be changed since May,
⁠Shouldst thou change less than they?

II.

And slow, slow, as the winter snow,
⁠The tears have drifted to mine eyes;
And my poor cheeks, five months ago,
Set blushing at thy praises so,
⁠Put paleness on for a disguise.
Ah, sweet, be free to praise and go!
⁠For if my face is turned to pale,
⁠It was thine oath that first did fail,—
⁠It was thy love proved false and frail!
⁠And why, since these be changed, enow,
⁠Should I change less than thou?