Up-Hill

Jean-Baptiste Camile Corot (1796-1875)

Listen to:

Up-Hill (1:09)

by Christina Rossetti

performed by Bob Gonzalez, rhapsode

DOES the road wind up-hill all the way?
  Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
  From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting-place?        5
  A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
  You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
  Those who have gone before.        10
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
  They will not keep you standing at that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
  Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?        15
  Yea, beds for all who come.