Sonnets from the Portuguese — With the same heart, I said, I’ll answer thee

XXXIV

With the same heart, I said, I’ll answer thee As those, when thou shalt call me by my name— Lo, the vain promise!

is the same, the same, Perplexed and ruffled by life’s strategy?

When called before, I told how hastily I dropped my flowers or brake off from a game.

To run and answer with the smile that came At play last moment, and went on with me Through my obedience.

When I answer now, I drop a grave thought, break from solitude;

Yet still my heart goes to thee—ponder how— Not as to a single good, but all my good!

Lay thy hand on it, best one, and allow That no child’s foot could run fast as this blood.