* * * * *
In heaven we have the real and true and sure."
In heaven, where the angels "know themselves into one"; and are never married, no, nor given in marriage:
". . . They are man and wife at once
When the true time is . . .
So, let him wait God's instant men call years;
Meantime hold hard by truth and his great soul,
Do out the duty! Through such souls alone
God, stooping, shows sufficient of his light
For us i' the dark to rise by. And I rise."
* * * * *
Who would analyse this child would tear a flower to pieces. Pompilia is no heroine, no character; but indeed a "rose gathered for the breast of God":
"Et, rose, elle a vécu ce que vivent les roses,
L'espace d'un matin."
FOOTNOTES:
[126:1] Introduction to the Study of Browning, 1886, p. 152.