. <br /> <br />All June I bound the rose in sheaves. <br />Now, rose by rose, I strip the leaves <br />And strew them where Pauline may pass. <br />She will not turn aside? Alas! <br />Let them lie. Suppose they die? <br />The chance was they might take her eye. <br /> <br /> II. <br /> <br />How many a month I strove to suit <br />These stubborn fingers to the lute! <br />To-day I venture all I know. <br />She will not hear my music? So! <br />Break the string; fold music's wing: <br />Suppose Pauline had bade me sing! <br /> <br /> III. <br /> <br />My whole life long I learned to love. <br />This hour my utmost art I prove <br />And speak my passion---heaven or hell? <br />She will not give me heaven? 'Tis well! <br />Lose who may---I still can say, <br />Those who win heaven, blest are they!<br /><br />Robert Browning<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/one-way-of-love/
