by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828 - 1882)
Penumbra
Language: English
I did not look upon her eyes, (Though scarcely seen, with no surprise, 'Mid many eyes a single look), Because they should not gaze rebuke At night, from stars in sky and brook. I did not take her by the hand (Though little was to understand From touch of hands all friends might take), Because it should not prove a flake Burnt in my palm to boil and ache. I did not listen to her voice, (Though none had noted, where at choice All might rejoice in listening) Because no such a thing should cling In the wood's moan at evening. They told me she was sad that day, (Though wherefore tell what love's soothsay, Sooner than.they, did register?) And my heart leapt and wept to her, And yet I did not speak nor stir. So shall the tongues of the sea's foam (Though many voices therewith come From drowned hope's home to cry to me), Bewail one hour the more, when sea And wind are one with memory.
Authorship:
- by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828 - 1882), "Penumbra", from Poems, first published 1870 [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by John (Nicholson) Ireland (1879 - 1962), "Penumbra", published 1917 [voice and piano], from Marigold, no. 2. [text verified 1 time]
Researcher for this page: Ted Perry
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 25
Word count: 169