22

I gave myself to him,

And take himself for pay.

The solemn contract of a life,

Was ratified this way.

The value might disappoint,

Myself a poorer prove.

Then this my purchaser suspect,

The daily own of Love.

Depreciates the sight;

But,'til the merchant buy,

Still fabled,in the isles of spice

The subtle cargoes lie.

At least,'tis mutual risk,-

Some found it mutual gain;

Sweet debt of Life,-each night to owe,

Insolvent,every noon.

by Emily Dickinson