Elizabeth Barrett Browning · England · 1844
A THOUGHT ay like a flower upon mine heart, And drew around it other thoughts like bees For multitude and thirst of sweetnesses; Whereat rejoicing, I desired the art Of the Greek whistler, who to wharf and mart Could lure those insect swarms from orange-trees That I might hive with me such thoughts and please My soul so, always. foolish counterpart Of a weak man's vain wishes ! While I spoke, The thought I called a flower grew nettle-rough The thoughts, called bees, stung me to festering: Oh, entertain (cried Reason as she woke) Your best and gladdest thoughts but long enough, And they will all prove sad enough to sting !
Elizabeth Barrett Browning · England · 1844
A THOUGHT ay like a flower upon mine heart, And drew around it other thoughts like bees For multitude and thirst of sweetnesses; Whereat rejoicing, I desired the art Of the Greek whistler, who to wharf and mart Could lure those insect swarms from orange-trees That I might hive with me such thoughts and please My soul so, always. foolish counterpart Of a weak man's vain wishes ! While I spoke, The thought I called a flower grew nettle-rough The thoughts, called bees, stung me to festering: Oh, entertain (cried Reason as she woke) Your best and gladdest thoughts but long enough, And they will all prove sad enough to sting !
“A THOUGHT ay like a flower upon mine heart,…”
Elizabeth Barrett Browning explores the paradox of joy turning to pain in this deeply introspective sonnet. She begins by imagining a beautiful thought as a delicate flower that attracts other pleasant thoughts like bees gathering nectar. Initially, she celebrates this abundance of sweetness and even wishes she had the magical power of an ancient Greek musician who could charm bees from trees, so she could capture and keep these wonderful thoughts forever.
Why this poem matters
Written during a period of personal and creative flourishing, this sonnet reflects Browning's sophisticated engagement with emotional psychology and classical allusion. The poem demonstrates her mastery of the Petrarchan form while addressing deeply personal themes about the nature of contentment and loss that would preoccupy her throughout her career.