Could I have known, that day
I saw you first, How much
my fate lay coiled within your eyes!
How Nemesis spoke in your
soft replies!
Could I have known—and so have
avoid the worst?
Could I have known how for my
bitter thirst Your coming brought
but saltest tears and sighs,
How going life seemed fled
with you likewise.
Could I have known—oh angel
doomed-love!
And now how name you,
slayer of my peace?
Life-giving basilisk? source of gladdest grief?
Emblem of Fortune wrecked upon one throw?
Blessed and damned flame-hallowed Beatrice?
And cause of martyrdom without surcease?
Alas! Alas! by me entreated so!
Finchley, 1858. Ford Madox Brown (1821-1893)
- 2005 , Artes , El Cuervo habla , Old ones , Poesía

























