Emily Dickinson — Wert Thou but ill—that I might show thee

961 Wert Thou but ill—that I might show thee How long a Day I could endure Though thine attention stop not on me Nor the least signal, Me assure Wert Thou but Stranger in ungracious country And Mine—the Door Thou paused at, for a passing bounty No More Accused—wert Thou—and Myself—Tribunal Convicted—Sentenced—Ermine—not to Me Half the Condition, thy Reverse—to follow Just to partake—the infamy The Tenant of the Narrow Cottage, wert Thou Permit to be The Housewife in thy low attendance Contenteth Me No Service hast Thou, I would not achieve it To die—or live The first—Sweet, proved I, ere I saw thee For Life—be Love