A Prayer (fair copy, earliest manuscript) Dante Gabriel Rossetti 1 Special Collection Library, Duke University A Prayer DGR 1846 fair copy 1 page Duke University Library Rossetti Writings VI gray laid unlined paper none 6 3/8 x 8 in. Commentary
Introduction

This is the earliest manuscript of the poem, which was written in 1846, as the pencil notation on the recto indicates.

Textual History: Composition

Textual History: Revision

Production History

Reception History

Iconographic

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Pictorial

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Baum, <hi rend="i"> <xref doc="a.z6616.r82d.rad" link="dead">Manuscripts in the Duke University Library</xref> </hi> , 6-7

A Prayer. -- Lady, in thy proud eyes There is a weary look As if the spirit which shows through them Frightened itself and shook To think that henceforth the heart of man Is read like a read book. Lady, in thy lifted face The solitude is sore;— The true solitude follows the crowd. Will it be less or more When the words have been spoken to thee Which my thought is seeking for. Lady, can'st thou not guess The words which my thoughts seek? Perhaps thou deem'st them well to spurn And better not to speak. Oh! thou must know my love is strong, Hearing my voice so weak! 1846 Date added in pencil in unknown hand at lower left Lady, do not rise up; Lady, give ear again; Lady, I would show to thee that yet There may one thing remain Which stands not in the knowledge thou hast And in thy lore of men. Lady, the darkness lasteth long Ere the dawn touch the skies; Many are the leagues of wilderness, Till ye come where the green lies; Nay, often betwixt doubt and doubt Death speaks, and maketh wise. Lady, has not my thought Dared much? For I would be The ending of darkness and the dawn Of a new day to thee, And thine oăsis, and thy place of rest, And thy time of peace, lady. ------