Change on Change
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)
1.
Three 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 come 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?
2.
And slow, slow as the winter snow, The tears have drifted to mine eyes;And my two cheeks, three 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, I trow, Should I change less than thou?
