Sonnets from the Portuguese: XXXIV

With the same heart, I said, I'll answer theeAs those, when thou shalt call me by my name-Lo, the vain promise! is the same, the same,Perplexed and ruffled by life's strategy?When called before, I told how hastilyI dropped my flowers or brake off from a game,To run and answer with the smile that cameAt play last moment, and went on with meThrough my obedience. When I answer now,I drop a grave thought, break from solitude;Yet still my heart goes to thee-ponder how-Not as to a single good, but all my good!Lay thy hand on it, best one, and allowThat no child's foot could run fast as this blood.