Anne Brontë

My God! O let me call Thee mine!
Weak, wretched sinner though I be!

Anne Brontë (17 January 1820 – 28 May 1849) was a British novelist and poet, the youngest sibling of Charlotte and Emily Brontë. After initially publishing works under the pseudonyms Currer Bell, Ellis Bell, and Acton Bell they became famous as the Brontë sisters.

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I did not know the nights of gloom,
The days of misery;
The long, long years of dark despair,
That crushed and tortured thee.

Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell (1846)

Quotes from poems published in Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell (presented in chronological order)

To Cowper (1842)

Written 10 November 1842

Should thy darkest fears be true,
If Heaven be so severe,
That such a soul as thine is lost,
Oh! how shall I appear?

• All for myself the sigh would swell,
  The tear of anguish start;
  I little knew what wilder woe
  Had filled the Poet's heart.

  I did not know the nights of gloom,
  The days of misery;
  The long, long years of dark despair,
  That crushed and tortured thee.

• Yet, should thy darkest fears be true,
  If Heaven be so severe,
  That such a soul as thine is lost,
  Oh! how shall I appear?

Lines Composed in a Wood on a Windy Day (1842)

Written 30 December 1842 Full text at Wikisource

• My soul is awakened, my spirit is soaring
  And carried aloft on the wings of the breeze;
  For above and around me the wild wind is roaring,
  Arousing to rapture the earth and the seas.

• I wish I could see how the ocean is lashing
  The foam of its billows to whirlwinds of spray;
  I wish I could see how its proud waves are dashing,
  And hear the wild roar of their thunder today!

A Word to the Calvinists (1843)

Written 28 May 1843 - Full text at Wikisource

That none deserve eternal bliss I know:
Unmerited the grace in mercy given,
But none shall sink to everlasting woe
That have not well deserved the wrath of Heaven.

• You may rejoice to think yourselves secure,
  You may be grateful for the gift divine,
  That grace unsought which made your black hearts pure
  And fits your earthborn souls in Heaven to shine.
  But is it sweet to look around and view
  Thousands excluded from that happiness,
  Which they deserve at least as much as you,
  Their faults not greater nor their virtues less?

• Say does your heart expand to all mankind
  And would you ever to your neighbour do,
  — The weak, the strong, the enlightened and the blind —
  As you would have your neighbour do to you?

  And, when you, looking on your fellow men
  Behold them doomed to endless misery,
  How can you talk of joy and rapture then?
  May God withhold such cruel joy from me!

I ask not how remote the day
Nor what the sinner's woe
Before their dross is purged away,
Enough for me to know

That when the cup of wrath is drained,
The metal purified,
They'll cling to what they once disdained,
And live by Him that died.

• That none deserve eternal bliss I know:
  Unmerited the grace in mercy given,
  But none shall sink to everlasting woe
  That have not well deserved the wrath of Heaven.

• And, O! there lives within my heart
  A hope long nursed by me,
  (And should its cheering ray depart
  How dark my soul would be)

  That as in Adam all have died
  In Christ shall all men live
  And ever round his throne abide
  Eternal praise to give;

  That even the wicked shall at last
  Be fitted for the skies
  And when their dreadful doom is past
  To life and light arise.

• I ask not how remote the day
  Nor what the sinner's woe
  Before their dross is purged away,
  Enough for me to know

  That when the cup of wrath is drained,
  The metal purified,
  They'll cling to what they once disdained,
  And live by Him that died.

A Prayer (1844)

Written 13 October 1844; also known as "My God! O let me call Thee mine!" - Full text at Wikisource

I know I owe my all to Thee,
O, take this heart I cannot give.
Do Thou my Strength my Saviour be;
And make me to Thy glory live!

• My God! O let me call Thee mine!
  Weak, wretched sinner though I be,
  My trembling soul would fain be Thine,
  My feeble faith still clings to Thee.

• I know I owe my all to Thee,
  O, take this heart I cannot give.
  Do Thou my Strength my Saviour be;
  And make me to Thy glory live!

Dreams (1845)

Written in the spring of 1845 - Full text at Wikisource

While on my lonely couch I lie,
I seldom feel myself alone,
For fancy fills my dreaming eye
With scenes and pleasures of its own.

• While on my lonely couch I lie,
  I seldom feel myself alone,
  For fancy fills my dreaming eye
  With scenes and pleasures of its own.
  Then I may cherish at my breast
  An infant's form beloved and fair,
  May smile and soothe it into rest
  With all a Mother's fondest care.

• How sweet to feel its helpless form
  Depending thus on me alone!
  And while I hold it safe and warm
  What bliss to think it is my own!
  To feel my hand so kindly prest,
  To know myself beloved at last,
  To think my heart has found a rest,
  My life of solitude is past!

• But then to wake and find it flown,
  The dream of happiness destroyed,
  To find myself unloved, alone,
  What tongue can speak the dreary void?
  A heart whence warm affections flow,
  Creator, thou hast given to me,
  And am I only thus to know
  How sweet the joys of love would be?

Agnes Grey (1847)

Full text at Wikisource

All true histories contain instruction...

• All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity, that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut. Whether this be the case with my history or not, I am hardly competent to judge. I sometimes think it might prove useful to some, and entertaining to others; but the world may judge for itself. Shielded by my own obscurity, and by the lapse of years, and a few fictitious names, I do not fear to venture; and will candidly lay before the public what I would not disclose to the most intimate friend.
  • Ch. I : The Parsonage

• "Oh, Richard!" exclaimed she, on one occasion, "if you would but dismiss such gloomy subjects from your mind, you would live as long as any of us; at least you would live to see the girls married, and yourself a happy grandfather, with a canty old dame for your companion."
  • Ch. VI : The Parsonage Again

• "As an animal, Matilda was all right, full of life, vigour, and activity; as an intelligent being, she was barbarously ignorant, indocile, careless, and irrational; and consequently, very distressing to one who had the task of cultivating her understanding, reforming her manners, and aiding her to acquire those ornamental attainments which, unlike her sister, she despised as much as the rest..."
  • Ch. VII : Horton Lodge

• "I've done you a piece of good service, Nancy," he began: then seeing me, he acknowledged my presence by a slight bow. I should have been invisible to Hatfield, or any other gentleman of those parts. "I've delivered your cat," he continued, "from the hands, or rather the gun, of Mr. Murray's gamekeeper."
  • Ch. XII : The Shower

• "If you mean Mr. Weston to be one of your victims," said I, with affected indifference, "you will have to make such overtures yourself that you will find it difficult to draw back when he asks you to fulfil the expectations you have raised."
  • Ch. XVI : The Substitution

• "Why," said I — "why should you suppose that I dislike the place?"
  "You told me so yourself," was the decisive reply. "You said, at least, that you could not live contentedly, without a friend; and that you had no friend here, and no possibility of making one — and, besides, I know you must dislike it."
  • Ch. XX : The Farewell

• "But I can't devote myself entirely to a child," said she; "it may die — which is not at all improbable."
  "But, with care, many a delicate infant has become a strong man or woman."
  "But it may grow so intolerably like its father that I shall hate it."
  "That is not likely; it is a little girl, and strongly resembles its mother."
  • Ch. XXIII : The Park

• "I settled everything with Mrs. Grey, while you were putting on your bonnet," replied he. "She said I might have her consent, if I could obtain yours; and I asked her, in case I should be so happy, to come and live with us — for I was sure you would like it better. But she refused, saying she could now afford to employ an assistant, and would continue the school till she could purchase an annuity sufficient to maintain her in comfortable lodgings; and, meantime, she would spend her vacations alternately with us and your sister, and should be quite contented if you were happy. And so now I have overruled your objections on her account. Have you any other?"
  "No — none."
  "You love me then?" said he, fervently pressing my hand.
  "Yes."
  • Ch. XXV : Conclusion

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848)

Full text at Wikisource

• But as the priceless treasure too frequently hides at the bottom of well, it needs some courage to dive for it, especially as he that does so will be likely to incur more scorn and obloquy for the mud and water into which he has ventured to plunge, than thanks for the jewel he procures; as like in manner, she who undertakes the cleansing of a careless bachelor's apartment will be liable to more abuse for the dust she raises than commendation for the clearance she effects.
  • Preface, 2nd edition (July 22, 1848)

• Such humble talents as God had given me I will endeavour to put to their greatest use; if I am able to amuse, I will try to benefit too; and when I fell it my duty to speak unpalatable truth, with the help of God, I will speak it, through it be to the prejudice of my name and to the detriment of my reader's immediate pleasure as well as my own.
  • Preface, 2nd edition (July 22, 1848)

• All novels are, or should be, written for both men and women to read, and I am at loss to conceive how a man should permit himself to write anything that would be really disgraceful to a woman, or why a woman should be censured for writing anything that would be proper and becoming for a man.
  • Preface, 2nd edition (July 22, 1848)

• "You must go back with me to the autumn of 1827."
  • Gilbert Markham (Ch. I : A Discovery)

• "She was trusted and valued by her father, loved and courted by all dogs, cats, children, and poor people, and slighted and neglected by everybody else."
  • Gilbert about Mary Millward (Ch. I : A Discovery)

• "Now, Halford, I bid you adieu for the present. This is the first instalment of my debt. If the coin suits you, tell me so, and I'll send you the rest of my leisure: if you would rather remain my creditor than stuff your purse with such ungainly heavy pieces — tell me still, and I'll pardon your bad taste, and willingly keep the treasure to myself."
  • Gilbert Markham (Ch. I : A Discovery)

• "I perceive, with joy, my most valued friend, that the cloud of your displeasure has past away; the light of your countenance blesses me once more, and you desire the continuation of my story: therefore, without more ado, you shall have it."
  • Gilbert Markham (Ch. II : An Interwiew)

• "I went home very happy, with a heart brimful of complacency for myself, and overflowing with love for Eliza."
  • Gilbert Markham (Ch. II : An Interwiew)

• "If you would have your son to walk honourably through the world, you must not attempt to clear the stones from his path, but teach him to walk firmly over them — not insist upon leading him by the hand, but let him learn to go alone. "
  • Gilbert to Helen (Ch. III : A Controversy)

• "It is better to arm and strengthen your hero, than to disarm and enfeeble your foe."
  • Gilbert to Helen (Ch. III : A Controversy)

• "I would not send a poor girl into the world, ignorant of the snares that beset her path; nor would I watch and guard her, till, deprived of self-respect and self-reliance, she lost the power or the will to watch and guard herself."
  • Helen to Gilbert (Ch. III : A Controversy)

• His heart was like a sensitive plant, that opens for a moment in the sunshine, but curls up and shrinks into itself at the slightest touch of the finger, or the lightest breath of wind.
  • Gilbert Markham about Frederick Lawrence (Ch. IV : The Party)

• 'High time, my girl - high time! Moderation in all things, remember. That's the plan—"Let your moderation be known unto all men!'
  • Reverend Millward to Eliza (Ch. IV : The Party)

• 'You see there is a sad dearth of subjects,' observed the fair artist. 'I took the old hall once on a moonlight night, and I suppose I must take it again on a snowy winter's day, and then again on a dark cloudy evening; for I really have nothing else to paint. I have been told that you have a fine view of the sea somewhere in the neighbourhood - Is it true? - and is it within walking distance?'
  • Helen to Gilbert (Ch. V : The Studio)

• 'I almost wish I were not a painter,' observed my companion.
  'Why so? one would think at such a time you would most exult in your privilege of being able to imitate the various brilliant and delightful touches of nature.'
  No; for instead of delivering myself up to the full enjoyment of them as others do, I am always troubling my head about how I could produce the same effect upon canvas; and as that can never be done, it is more vanity and vexation of spirit.'

• • Helen and Gilbert (Ch. IX : A Snake in the Grass)

• “...And if I, by my thoughtlessness and selfish disregard to appearances, have at all assisted to expose you to these evils, let me entreat you not only to pardon me, but to enable me to make reparation; autorize me to clear your name from every imputation; give me the right to identify your honor with my own, and to defend your reputation as more precious than my life!”
  • Gilbert to Helen (Ch. XII : A Tête-à-tête and a Discovery)

• “Are you hero enough to unite yourself to one whom you know to be suspected and despised by all around you, and identify your interests and your honour with hers? Think! it is a serious thing.”
  • Helen to Gilbert (Ch. XII : A Tête-à-tête and a Discovery)

• “I should be proud to do it, Helen! - most happy - delighted beyond expression! - and if that be all the obstacle to our union, it is demolished, and you must - you shall be mine!”
  • Gilbert to Helen (Ch. XII : A Tête-à-tête and a Discovery)

• “You couldn't have given me less encouragement, or treated me with greater severity than you did! And if you think you have wronged me by giving me your friendship, and occasionally admitting to me to the enjoyment of your company and conversation, when all hopes of close intimacy were vain - as indeed you always gave me to understand - if you think you have wronged me by this, you are mistaken; for such favours, in themselves alone, are not only delightful to my heart, but purifying, exalting, ennobling to my soul; and I would rather have your friendship than the love of any other woman in the world!”
  • Gilbert to Helen (Ch. XII : A Tête-à-tête and a Discovery)

• "A light wind swept over the corn; and all nature laughed in the sunshine."
  • Gilbert Markham (Ch. XV : An Encounter and its Consequences)

• ...Beauty is that quality which, next to money, is generally the most attractive to the worst kinds of men; and, therefore, it is likely to entail a great deal of trouble on the possessor."
  • Mrs. Maxwell to Helen (Ch. XVI : The Warning of Experience)

• "But to tell you the truth, Mr. Boarham, it is on my own account I principally object; so let us - drop the subject, for it is worse than useless to pursue it any further"
  • Helen to Mr. Boarham (Ch. XVI : The Warning of Experience)

• "There goes the dinner-bell, and here comes my aunt to scold me for sitting here at my desk all day, instead of staying with the company: wish the company were - gone."
  • Helen (Ch. XVIII : The Miniature)

• "My cup of sweets is not unmingled: it is dashed with a bitterness that I cannot hide from myself, disguise it as I will."
  • Helen (Ch.XXII : Traits of Friendship)

• "I see that a man cannot give himself up to drinking without being miserable one half his days and mad the other."
  • Arthur to Helen (Ch.XXII : Traits of Friendship)

• But there is always a 'but' in this imperfect world.
  • Helen (Ch.XXII : Traits of Friendship)

• "But all our talents increase in the using, and every faculty, both good and bad, strengthens by exercise."
  • Helen to Arthur (Ch. XXIII : First weeks of Matrimony)

• "Alas! poor Milicent, what encouragement can I give you? - or what advice - except that it is better to make a bold stand now, though at the expense of disappointing and angering both mother and brother, and lover, than to devote your whole life, hereafter, to misery and vain regret?"
  • Helen to Milicent (Ch. XXV : First Absence)

• "Friends as we are, we would willingly keep your failings to ourselves - even from ourselves if we could, unless by knowing them we could deliver you from them."
  • Helen to Arthur (Ch. XXX : Domestic Scenes)

• "And indeed I know not whether, at the time, it was not for him rather than myself that I blushed; for, since he and I are one, I so identify myself with him, that I feel his degradation, his failings, and transgressions as my own; I blush for him, I fear for him; I repent for him, weep, pray, and feel for him as for myself; but I cannot act for him; and hence, I must be and I am, debased, contaminated by the union, both in my own eyes, and in the actual truth."
  • Helen (Ch. XXX : Domestic Scenes)

• "But no generous mind delights to oppress the weak, but rather to cherish and protect."
  • Helen to Ralph (Ch. XXXII : Comparison: Information Rejected)

• "I sometimes think she has no feeling at all; and then I go on till she cries - and that satisfies me."
  • Ralph to Helen (Ch. XXXII : Comparison: Information Rejected)

• "Then, go, and sin no more"
  • Helen to Walter (Ch. XXXV : Provocations)

• "Forgetfulness is not to be purchased with a wish; and I cannot bestow my esteem on all who desire it, unless they deserve it too."
  • Helen to Walter (Ch. XXXV : Provocations)

• "In the first place, I don't believe you,' answered I;: 'in the second, if you will be such a fool, I can't hinder it."
  • Helen to Walter (Ch. XXXVII : The Neighbour Again)

• "And you thought to rob me of my son too, and bring him up to be a dirty Yankee tradesman, or a low, beggarly painter?"
  "Yes, to obviate his becoming such a gentleman as his father."
  • Helen and Arthur (Ch. XL : A Misadventure)

• "It's well these women must be blabbing. If they haven't a friend to talk to, they must whisper their secrets to the fishes, or write them on the sand or something;"
  • Arthur to Helen (Ch. XL : A Misadventure)

• Keep both heart and hand in your own possession, till you see good reason to part with them.
  • Helen to Esther (Ch. XLI : Hope Springs Eternal in the Human Breast)

• "Marriage may change your circumstances for the better, but in my private opinion, it is far more likely to produce a contrary result"
  • Helen to Esther (Ch. XLI : Hope Springs Eternal in the Human Breast)

• "If such are your expectations of matrimony, Esther, you must, indeed, be careful whom you marry - or rather, you must avoid it altogether"
  • Helen to Esther (Ch. XLI : Hope Springs Eternal in the Human Breast)

• It is never too late to reform, as long as you have the sense to desire it, and the strength to execute your purpose.
  • Helen to Ralph (Ch. XLII : A Reformation)

• "Thank heaven, I am free and safe at last!"
  • Helen (Ch. XLIV : The Retreat)

• "Don't you know that every time we meet the thoughts of the final parting will become more painful? Don't you feel that every interview makes us dearer to each other than the last?"
  • Helen to Gilbert (Ch. XLV : Raconsiliation)

• "Never mind our kind friends: if they can part our bodies, it is enough; in God's name, let them not sunder our souls!"
  • Gilbert to Helen (Ch. XLV : Raconsiliation)

• "She is not determined to forget me. It would be wrong to forget one so deeply and fondly devoted to her, who can so thoroughly appreciate her excellencies, and sympathise with all her thoughts, as I can do, and it would be wrong in me to forget so excellent and divine a piece of God's creation as she, when I have once so truly loved and known her."
  • Gilbert to Frederick (Ch. XLVI : Friendly Councels)

• "Mamma does all she can,' said she, 'to make me feel myself a burden and incumbrance to the family, and the most ungrateful, selfish, and undutiful daughter that ever was born;"
  • Esther to Helen (Ch. XLVIII : Further Intelligences)

• 'But what is this?' he murmured. 'Why, Esther, you're crying now!'
  'Oh, it's nothing - it's only too much happiness - and the wish,' sobbed she, 'that our dear Helen were as happy as ourselves.'
  • Frederick and Esther (Ch. LI : An Unexpected Occurence)

• "If you loved as I do,' she earnestly replied, 'you would not have so nearly lost me - these scruples of false delicacy and pride would never thus have troubled you - you would have seen that the greatest worldly distinctions and discrepancies of rank, birth, and fortune are as dust in the balance compared with the unity of accordant thoughts and feelings, and truly loving, sympathising hearts and souls."
  • Helen to Gilbert (Ch. LIII : Conclusion)

The Narrow Way (1848)

Written 24 April 1948, first published in the December edition of Fraser's Magazine. - Full text at Wikisource

• On all her breezes borne
  Earth yields no scents like those;
  But he, that dares not grasp the thorn
  Should never crave the rose.
  

External links

• Anne Brontë – The Scarborough Connection
• Anne Brontë Remembered in Scarborough
• Website of the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth
• Works by Anne Brontë at Project Gutenberg
• Music On Christmas Morning (audio file)