The first time that the sun
Rose on thine oath to love me ,
I looked forward to the moon
To slacken all those bonds
Which seemed too soon and quickly
Tied to make a lasting troth .
Quick - loving hearts , I thought ,
May quickly loathe ; and looking
On myself , I seemed not one
For such man's love ! ---
More like an out of tune worn viol ,
A good singer would be wroth to
Spoin his song with , and which ,
Snatched in haste , is laid down
At the first ill - sounding note .
I did not wrong myself so , but I
Placed a wrong on thee .
For perfect strains may float
'Neath master - hands , from
Instruments defaced , --- and
Great souls , at one stroke ,
May do and dote .

" Sonnets From The Portuguese XXXII "
--- Elizabeth Barrett Browning
( 1806 - 1861 )