An Introduction to the Study of Robert Browning's Poetry

A Martyr’s Epitaph.

(From ‘Easter Day’.)

     I was born sickly, poor, and mean,
     A slave:  no misery could screen
     The holders of the pearl of price
     From Caesar’s envy; therefore twice
     I fought with beasts, and three times saw
     My children suffer by his law;
     At last my own release was earned:
     I was some time in being burned,
     But at the close a Hand came through
     The fire above my head, and drew         {10}
     My soul to Christ, whom now I see.
     Sergius, a brother, writes for me
     This testimony on the wall—
     For me, I have forgot it all.