"The African," Page 14

Description: 

Page 14 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1

Transcription:
The pure drops from that large black eye
Pace down the sad cold cheek, she knows not why.
But where’s the unrelenting Chief
Who rent that heart with agony –
Who deadened eyes like those with grief
And snapt her joys. . . oh where is he?

He’s gone – but the herald trump of fame
Tell’s Orenzebe’s name
He’s gone, but the sombre forests yet
Rustle to his echoing feet.
[Illegible line]
[Illegible line]
[Illegible line]
[Illegible line]
[Illegible line]
[Illegible line]
Yes, time had passed, & years gone by
Nor quenched the light’ning of his eye –
No longer grief, severe despair
Raged in his breast, but vengeance settled there!
No more the liquid tear descended,
Top mark the bitterness of woe,
His stubborn brow no more unbended –
As marble was his stern form now –
No more the deep low sigh he drew,
As if that heart were marble too!
And years passed on – & still reclining
On turf amidst the forest maze
Far from the Heav’ns bright orbit shining
He loved to count th’ unchanging days,

Associated Place(s)

Timeline of Events Associated with "The African," Page 14

Artist: 

  • Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Image Date: 

circa. 1820s