But only three in all God’s universe
Have heard this word thou has said,—Himself, beside
Thee speaking, and me listening! and replied
One of us…that was God,…and laid the curse
So darkly on my eyelids, as to amerce
My sight from seeing thee,—that if I had died,
The deathweights, placed there, would have signified
Less absolute exclusion.  Nay is worse
From God than from all others, O my friend!
Men could not part us with their worldly jars,
Nor the seas change us, nor the tempests bend;
Our hands would touch for all the mountain-bars:
And, heaven being rolled between us at the end,
We should but vow the faster for the stars.

Summary of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “Sonnet II: But only three in all God’s universe”

In “Sonnet II” from Sonnets from the Portuguese, Elizabeth Barrett Browning describes a profound and divine love between the speaker and her beloved. The poem begins with the speaker noting that only three beings—God, her beloved, and herself—have shared in a significant moment of love.

The speaker feels that God has placed a curse on her, making her unable to fully see her beloved. This curse is so heavy that even death would feel like a lesser separation.

Despite this divine burden, the speaker believes that no earthly obstacle, whether it be conflict, distance, or natural disasters, could separate her from her beloved. The poem concludes with a declaration that even if

mountains or heaven itself tried to keep them apart, their love would only grow stronger. The final image of vowing “the faster for the stars” suggests an eternal and unbreakable bond that transcends all barriers.

The poem explores themes of divine intervention, enduring love, and the struggle between isolation and connection. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion, Browning portrays a love that is powerful enough to withstand both earthly and divine challenges.

Line by Line Explanation

Lines 1-2: “But only three in all God’s universe / Have heard this word thou has said,—Himself, beside” Only three beings in the entire universe have heard the beloved’s words of love: God, the beloved, and the speaker.

Line 3: “Thee speaking, and me listening! and replied” This line describes the moment of communication: the beloved spoke, and the speaker listened intently.

Line 4: “One of us…that was God,…and laid the curse” God responded to the declaration of love and placed a curse on the speaker.

Line 5: “So darkly on my eyelids, as to amerce” The curse was so severe that it metaphorically darkened the speaker’s vision, taking away the sight of the beloved.

Line 6: “My sight from seeing thee,—that if I had died,” The speaker explains that the curse prevents her from seeing her beloved, suggesting that even death would be less of a barrier.

Line 7: “The deathweights, placed there, would have signified” If death had placed its weight on her eyes, it would have been a less complete separation compared to the curse.

Line 8: “Less absolute exclusion. Nay is worse” The separation caused by the curse is more absolute and painful than death itself.

Line 9: “From God than from all others, O my friend!” A “no” or refusal from God is more devastating than any rejection from other people.

Line 10: “Men could not part us with their worldly jars,” No human conflicts or arguments could separate the speaker from her beloved.

Line 11: “Nor the seas change us, nor the tempests bend;” Neither vast oceans nor powerful storms could change their love or separate them.

Line 12: “Our hands would touch for all the mountain-bars:” Even with mountains standing as barriers, they would still find a way to touch each other.

Lines 13-14: “And, heaven being rolled between us at the end, / We should but vow the faster for the stars.” Even if heaven itself tried to come between them after death, their love would only grow stronger and more determined, vowing to be together despite all obstacles.

Poem Analysis

Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “Sonnet II” from Sonnets from the Portuguese explores the theme of love intertwined with divine intervention. The poem is structured as a sonnet, consisting of 14 lines with a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDC DCD, following the traditional form of Italian Petrarchan sonnets.

Overview: The poem begins with a declaration that only three entities in the entire universe have experienced a particular moment: God, the beloved, and the speaker herself. This moment is characterized by the beloved speaking words of love, which the speaker hears and God acknowledges.

However, instead of solely blessing this love, God also imposes a curse. The curse is described metaphorically as darkening the speaker’s vision so profoundly that it feels like a punishment worse than death itself.

Themes:

Divine Intervention: The poem revolves around the idea that God plays a central role in the speaker’s love life. God’s presence is felt not only in the blessing of their union but also in the affliction that separates them. This theme underscores the belief that human love can be influenced and tested by divine will.

Love and Isolation: The speaker expresses a deep emotional connection to her beloved, which is contrasted with a profound sense of isolation caused by the curse. This isolation manifests as a physical and spiritual barrier that prevents the speaker from fully experiencing the presence of her beloved.

Strength of Love: Despite the divine curse and the perceived isolation, the speaker’s love remains resilient and steadfast. The poem emphasizes the enduring nature of their bond, portraying it as capable of overcoming even the most formidable obstacles imposed by both earthly and heavenly forces.

Structure and Language:

Sonnet Form: Structurally, the poem adheres to the Petrarchan sonnet form, consisting of an octave (first eight lines) and a sestet (final six lines). The octave sets up the theme and conflict, while the sestet resolves it or reflects on its implications.

Metaphorical Language: Browning employs rich and metaphorical language throughout the poem. For instance, the curse is described as “deathweights” that obscure the speaker’s vision, symbolizing the burden and obstruction it imposes on their relationship.

Rhythmic Flow: The poem maintains a rhythmic flow through its use of iambic pentameter, a common meter in English poetry that contributes to its musicality and cadence.

Conclusion:

“Sonnet II” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a poignant exploration of love, faith, and the complexities of divine intervention. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt expression, Browning portrays the tumultuous journey of love, marked by both moments of divine blessing and profound challenges. The poem’s structure and language underscore its themes, highlighting the enduring strength of love in the face of adversity.

Overall, “Sonnet II” invites readers to contemplate the intersection of human emotions and spiritual beliefs, offering a nuanced portrayal of love’s ability to transcend earthly limitations and find solace in divine connection. Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s masterful use of poetic form and language ensures that the poem resonates deeply with readers, leaving a lasting impression of love’s resilience and complexity.