On the Death of Mrs. Browning

By Sydney Dobell (1824–1874)

Elizabeth Barrett Browning died June 29, 1861.

WHICH of the Angels sang so well in Heaven

That the approving Archon of the quire

Cried, “Come up hither!” and he, going higher,

Carried a note out of the choral seven;

Whereat that cherub to whom choice is given

Among the singers that on earth aspire

Beckon’d thee from us, and thou, and thy lyre

Sudden ascended out of sight? Yet even

In heaven thou weepest! Well, true wife, to weep!

Thy voice doth so betray that sweet offence

That no new call should more exalt thee hence

But for thy harp. Ah, lend it, and such grace

Shall still advance thy neighbor that thou keep

Thy seat, and at thy side a vacant place!