An Audio Guide to Poetry Recitation - 26. "To My Dear and Loving

An Audio Guide to Poetry Recitation - 26. "To My Dear and Loving Husband"


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And now the actor Alyssa Milano recites two classic American sonnets, the first is by Anne Bradstreet, America's first published poet. In this poem, Bradstreet celebrates her love for her husband.

To My Dear and Loving Husband
by Anne Bradstreet
[Read by Alyssa Milano]

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay;
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let’s so persever,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.