Wilde, Tennyson, Browning (Elizabeth and Robert), Hopkins–ever hear of those folks? Poets all, and contemporaries of William Morris, poet, artist, designer, book maker, weaver, utopian philosopher who is the subject of a display in the library this term. We have some pretty rare and cool books that Morris produced on his famous Kelmscott Press. To celebrate National Poetry Month and Morris, we’re having a reading of Victorian poetry on Wednesday, April 11, at 4:00 in the library. Students and faculty will read their favorite poems and you’ll get a flavor for one of the wildest and most wonderful periods of English literature. Here is a taste by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, — I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! — and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
