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Public-domain poetry, pleasantly readable
Non omnis moriar

I gave myself to him,

by Emily Dickinson · Explore poems

  1. I gave myself to him,
  2. And took himself for pay.
  3. The solemn contract of a life
  4. Was ratified this way.
  5.  
  6. The wealth might disappoint,
  7. Myself a poorer prove
  8. Than this great purchaser suspect,
  9. The daily own of Love
  10.  
  11. Depreciate the vision;
  12. But, till the merchant buy,
  13. Still fable, in the isles of spice,
  14. The subtle cargoes lie.
  15.  
  16. At least, 't is mutual risk, --
  17. Some found it mutual gain;
  18. Sweet debt of Life, -- each night to owe,
  19. Insolvent, every noon.

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