The Poetry of Robert Browning

“In this world, who can do a thing, will not;And who would do it, cannot, I perceive:Yet the will's somewhat”

— Stopford A. Brooke

“If you get simple beauty and naught else, you get about the best thing god invents””

— Stopford A. Brooke

“A lion may die of an ass's kick.””

— Stopford A. Brooke

“The rain set early in tonight,The sullen wind was soon awake, It tore the elm-tops down for spite,And did its worst to vex the lake: I listened with heart fit to break.When glided in Porphyria; straight She shut the cold out and the storm,And kneeled and made the cheerless grate Blaze up, and all the cottage warm; Which done, she rose, and from her formWithdrew the dripping cloak and shawl, And laid her soiled gloves by, untiedHer hat and let the damp hair fall, And, last, she sat down by my side And called me. When no voice replied,She put my arm about her waist,And made her smooth white shoulder bare, And all her yellow hair displaced,And, stooping, made my cheek lie there, And spread, o'er all, her yellow hair,Murmuring how she loved me”

— Stopford A. Brooke

“My whole life long I learn'd to love,This hour my utmost art I prove.And speak my passion”

— Stopford A. Brooke