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Elizabeth Barrett Browning - Sonnet XXXVIII: First Time He Kissed Me
Work rating: Medium

	First time he kissed me, he but only kissed
	The finger of this hand wherewith I write;
	And ever since, it grew more clean and white,
	Slow to world-greetings, quick with its "Oh, list,"
	When the angels speak. A ring of amethyst
	I could not wear here, plainer to my sight,
	Than that first kiss. The second passed in height
	The first, and sought the forehead, and half missed,
	Half falling on the hair. O beyond meed!
	That was the chrism of love, which love`s own crown,
	With sanctifying sweetness, did precede.
	The third upon my lips was folded down
	In perfect, purple state; since when, indeed,
	I have been proud and said, "My love, my own."
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