Elizabeth Barrett Browning — Void in Law

I. Sleep, little babe, on my knee,        &nbspSleep, for the midnight is chill, And the moon has died out in the tree,        &nbspAnd the great human world goeth ill. Sleep, for the wicked agree:        &nbspSleep, let them do as they will.        &nbsp       &nbspSleep. II. Sleep, thou hast drawn from my breast        &nbspThe last drop of milk that was good; And now, in a dream, suck the rest,        &nbspLest the real should trouble thy blood. Suck, little lips dispossessed,        &nbspAs we kiss in the air whom we would.        &nbsp       &nbspSleep. III. O lips of thy father! the same,        &nbspSo like! Very deeply they swore When he gave me his ring and his name,        &nbspTo take back, I imagined, no more! And now is all changed like a game,        &nbspThough the old cards are used as of yore?        &nbsp       &nbspSleep. IV. “Void in law,” said the Courts. Something wrong        &nbspIn the forms? Yet, “Till death part us two, I, James, take thee, Jessie,” was strong,        &nbspAnd One witness competent. True Such a marriage was worth an old song,        &nbspHeard in Heaven though, as plain as the New.        &nbsp       &nbspSleep. V. Sleep, little child, his and mine!        &nbspHer throat has the antelope curve, And her cheek just the colour and line        &nbspWhich fade not before him nor swerve: Yet she has no child!—the divine        &nbspSeal of right upon loves that deserve.        &nbsp       &nbspSleep. VI. My child! though the world take her part,        &nbspSaying “She was the woman to choose; He had eyes, was a man in his heart,”—        &nbspWe twain the decision refuse: We ... weak as I am, as thou art, ...        &nbspCling on to him, never to loose.        &nbsp       &nbspSleep. VII. He thinks that, when done with this place,        &nbspAll’s ended? he’ll new-stamp the ore? Yes, Cæsar’s—but not in our case.        &nbspLet him learn we are waiting before The grave’s mouth, the heaven’s gate, God’s face        &nbspWith implacable love evermore.        &nbsp       &nbspSleep. VIII. He’s ours, though he kissed her but now,        &nbspHe’s ours, though she kissed in reply: He’s ours, though himself disavow,        &nbspAnd God’s universe favour the lie; Ours to claim, ours to clasp, ours below,        &nbspOurs above, ... if we live, if we die.        &nbsp       &nbspSleep. IX. Ah baby, my baby, too rough        &nbspIs my lullaby? What have I said? Sleep! When I’ve wept long enough        &nbspI shall learn to weep softly instead, And piece with some alien stuff        &nbspMy heart to lie smooth for thy head.        &nbsp       &nbspSleep. X. Two souls met upon thee, my sweet;        &nbspTwo loves led thee out to the sun: Alas, pretty hands, pretty feet,        &nbspIf the one who remains (only one) Set her grief at thee, turned in a heat        &nbspTo thine enemy,—were it well done?        &nbsp       &nbspSleep. XI. May He of the manger stand near        &nbspAnd love thee! An infant He came To His own who rejected Him here,        &nbspBut the Magi brought gifts all the same. I hurry the cross on my Dear!        &nbspMy gifts are the griefs I declaim!        &nbsp       &nbspSleep.