Description
Publishing under the pseudonym Michael Field, Katherine Harris Bradley and her niece Edith Emma Cooper published both plays and poetry in 19th century Britain. They published 27 plays, as well as 8 books of poetry which discussed themes of gender roles, family relations, and same sex relationships.
Text
METHINKS my love to thee doth grow,
And this the sign:
I see the spirit claim thee,
And do not blame thee,
Nor break intrusive on the Holy Ground,
Where thou of God art found.
I watch the fire
Leap up, and do not bring
Fresh water from the spring
To keep it from up-flaming higher
Than my chilled hands require
For cherishing.
I see thy soul turn to her hidden grot,
And follow not;
Content thou shouldst prefer
To be with her,
The heavenly Muse, than ever find in me
Best Company.
So brave my love is grown,
I joy to find thee sought
By some great thought;
And am content alone
To eat life’s common fare,
While thou prepare
To be my royal moment’s guest:
Live to the best!
Page numbers in original volume
49
