Canto 17I have a doubt
Book 2. Part Two - Baroda Circa 1898 – 1902
Sonnets
Still there is something
Still there is something that I lack in thee
And yet must find. There is a broad abyss
5Between possession and true sovereignty
Which thou must bridge with a diviner kiss.
I questioned all the beauty of other girls
Thinking thou hadst it not to give indeed.
But not Giannina’s breasts nor Pippa’s curls
10Contained it; thou alone canst meet my need.
Deniest thou some secret of thy soul
To me who claim thee all? Nay, can it be
Thy bosom’s joys escape from my control?
Forbid it Heaven Hell should yawn for thee.
15Deny it now! Let not sweet love begun
End in red blood and awful justice done.
I have a doubt
I have a doubt, I have a doubt which kills.
Tell me, O torturing beauty, O divine
20Witchcraft, O soul escaped from heaven’s hills
Yet fed upon strange food of utter sin.
Why dost thou torture me? Hast thou no fear?
My love was ever like my hate a sword
To search the heart and kill however dear
25The joy that would not own me for its lord.
Yet must I still believe that thou art true
If thou wilt say it and smile. Knowst thou not then
I have purchased with my passion all of you
And wilt thou keep one nook for other men?
30Deny it now! Let not sweet love begun
End in red blood and awful justice done.