Read Sonnet 13 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning below. What does this poem say the

Question

Read Sonnet 13 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning below. What does this poem say the beloved wants the speaker to do? How does she respond to his request? What does her response suggest about her and about her feelings for her beloved? Use examples from the text in your response.

Sonnet 13:

And wilt thou have me fashion into speechThe love I bear thee, finding words enough,And hold the torch out, while the winds are rough,Between our faces, to cast light on each?—I drop it at thy feet. I cannot teach
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My hand to hold my spirit so far offFrom myself—me—that I should bring thee proofIn words, of love hid in me out of reach.Nay, let the silence of my womanhoodCommend my woman-love to thy belief,—
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Seeing that I stand unwon, however wooed,And rend
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the garment of my life, in brief,By a most dauntless,
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voiceless fortitude,Lest one touch of this heart convey its grief

Explanation / Answer

My hand to hold my spirit so far offFrom myself—me—that I should bring thee proofIn words, of love hid in me out of reach.Nay, let the silence of my womanhoodCommend my woman-love to thy belief

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