Emily Bronte Cento

A cento is a patchwork poem, in this one every line is from a different poem by Emily Bronte.

Warm and bright on Arden’s lake
How beautiful the earth is still
Tonight there is no wind to wake
And curb my own wild will

Thought followed though, star followed star
I see Heaven’s glories shine
It seemed close by and yet more far
And they, perchance, heard vows of mine

Well, let them fight for honour’s breath
Thy love I will not, will not share
Time stands before the door of Death
To banish joy and welcome care

In life and death a chainless soul
But sorrow withers even the strong
A flood of strange sensations roll
Whispering, “Winter will not linger long”