The poem
I.
Let's contend no more, Love, Strive nor weep: All be as before, Love, —Only sleep!
II.
What so wild as words are? I and thou In debate, as birds are, Hawk on bough!
III.
See the creature stalking While we speak! Hush and hide the talking, Cheek on cheek!
IV.
What so false as truth is, False to thee? Where the serpent's tooth is Shun the tree—
V.
Where the apple reddens Never pry— Lest we lose our Edens, Eve and I.
VI.
Be a god and hold me With a charm! Be a man and fold me With thine arm!
VII.
Teach me, only teach, Love As I ought I will speak thy speech, Love, Think thy thought—
VIII.
Meet, if thou require it, Both demands, Laying flesh and spirit In thy hands.
IX.
That shall be to-morrow Not to-night: I must bury sorrow Out of sight:
X.
—Must a little weep, Love, (Foolish me!) And so fall asleep, Love, Loved by thee.
This poem has a way of making a woman's eyes seem as though they are a passage into a man's heart. Robert Browning can sensibly gaze into a girl's eyes and be blessed with anything he cares to know about the woman. To me, this poem is a way for a man to show a girl how much he truly cares through a girl's point of view. Very creative!
I think this poem deals with love between a man and a woman. The man knows exactly what the woman wants and can speak through her point of understanding. He makes the idea that love is unconditional and even if they fight they will always have love for each other.
Hmm, you guys should read Adelaide Ann Proctor's response to Brownings poem (It has the same title) and then reasses your comments.