The Poetical Works of Robert Browning (Volume 7)  (English, Paperback, Browning Robert)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1894. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... No sign of recognition as they took His way and her way to whatever nook Waited them in the darkness either side Of that bright stage where lately groom and bride Had fired the audience to a frenzy-fit Of sympathetic rapture--every whit Earned as the curtain fell on her and me, --Actors. Three whole years, nothing was to see But calm and concord; where a speech was due There came the speech: when smiles were wanted too Smiles were as ready. In a place like mine, Where foreign and domestic cares combine, There's audience every day and all day long; But finally the last of the whole throng Who linger lets one see his back. For her-- Why, liberty and liking: I aver, Liking and liberty For me--I breathed, Let my face rest from every wrinkle wreathed Smile-like about the mouth, unlearned my task Of personation till next day bade mask, And quietly betook me from that world To the real world, not pageant: there unfurled In work, its wings, my soul, the fretted power. Three years I worked, each minute of each hour Not claimed by acting: --work I may dispense With talk about, since work in evidence. Perhaps in history; who knows or cares? After three years, this way, all unawares, Our acting ended. She and I, at close Of a loud night-feast, led, between two rows Of bending male and female loyalty, Our lord the king down staircase, while, held high At arm's length did the twisted tapers' flare Herald his passage from our palace, where Such visiting left glory evermore. Again the ascent in public, till at door As we two stood by the saloon--now blank And disencumbered of its guests--there sank A whisper in my ear, so low and yet So unmistakable I half forget The chamber you repair to, and I want Occasion for one short word--if you grant That grace--within a cert...