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