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A Curse for a Nation: Prologue Lyrics by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Vol. IV

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I heard an angel speak last night,
       &nbspAnd he said “Write!
Write a Nation’s curse for me,
And send it over the Western Sea.”
I faltered, taking up the word:
       &nbsp“Not so, my lord!
If curses must be, choose another
To send thy curse against my brother.
“For I am bound by gratitude,
       &nbspBy love and blood,
To brothers of mine across the sea,
Who stretch out kindly hands to me.”
“Therefore,” the voice said, “shalt thou write
       &nbspMy curse to-night.
From the summits of love a curse is driven,
As lightning is from the tops of heaven.”
“Not so,” I answered. “Evermore
       &nbspMy heart is sore
For my own land’s sins: for little feet
Of children bleeding along the street:
“For parked-up honours that gainsay
       &nbspThe right of way:
For almsgiving through a door that is
Not open enough for two friends to kiss:
“For love of freedom which abates
       &nbspBeyond the Straits:
For patriot virtue starved to vice on
Self-praise, self-interest, and suspicion:
“For an oligarchic parliament,
       &nbspAnd bribes well-meant.
What curse to another land assign,
When heavy-souled for the sins of mine?”
“Therefore,” the voice said, “shalt thou write
       &nbspMy curse to-night.
Because thou hast strength to see and hate
A foul thing done within thy gate.”
“Not so,” I answered once again.
       &nbsp“To curse, choose men.
For I, a woman, have only known
How the heart melts and the tears run down.”
“Therefore,” the voice said, “shalt thou write
       &nbspMy curse to-night.
Some women weep and curse, I say
(And no one marvels), night and day.
“And thou shalt take their part to-night,
       &nbspWeep and write.
A curse from the depths of womanhood
Is very salt, and bitter, and good.”
So thus I wrote, and mourned indeed,
       &nbspWhat all may read.
And thus, as was enjoined on me,
I send it over the Western Sea.
Credits
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

About “A Curse for a Nation: Prologue” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Read the complete lyrics to "A Curse for a Nation: Prologue" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning from the album "The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Vol. IV". On Lyrks you can follow along with the full text, explore the artist's discography, and discover related songs. The track is often categorized under Non-Music, Literature.

"A Curse for a Nation: Prologue" is performed by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. from the album "The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Vol. IV" This page provides the full lyric text for fans who want to sing along, study the songwriting, or compare versions across releases. Lyrks organizes lyrics by artist and song slug so you can bookmark and share a stable URL. Music lyrics help listeners connect with emotion, narrative, and rhythm in a track. Whether you are learning English, researching a favorite chorus, or preparing for karaoke, having accurate line breaks and section labels (verse, chorus, bridge) makes the experience easier. We link to the official artist profile on Lyrks where available, including biography snippets, top songs, and chart placements when we have that data. If you enjoy "A Curse for a Nation: Prologue", explore more songs by Elizabeth Barrett Browning using the links below. Chart and trending pages on Lyrks highlight what listeners are searching for this week. For copyright or correction requests, see our DMCA and contact pages.

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Frequently asked questions

"A Curse for a Nation: Prologue" is credited to Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Songwriting credits may include additional writers listed on the release; check the credits section on this page for linked collaborators.

"A Curse for a Nation: Prologue" appears on "The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Vol. IV".

Visit the Elizabeth Barrett Browning artist page at /artist/elizabeth-barrett-browning for biography, popular tracks, and links to more lyric pages.