The Last Ride Together by Robert Browning
A speaker whose love has failed asks his beloved for one last ride, and they set out together. As they ride, he compares his disappointment with the limited achievements of statesmen, soldiers, and artists, then wonders whether heaven might mean riding together forever.
By Robert Browning · Genre: Dramatic Monologue, Love Poetry, Philosophical Poetry · 1,254 words
First lines
I said -- Then, dearest, since 't is so, / Since now at length my fate I know, / Since nothing all my love avails, / Since all, my life seemed meant for, fails, / Since this was written and needs must be -- / My whole heart rises up to bless / Your name in pride and thankfulness! / Take back the hope you gave, -- I claim / Only a memory of the same, / -- And this beside, if you will not blame, / Your leave for one more last ride with me.
Genres
- Dramatic Monologue — One speaker recounts his appeal to his beloved and develops his thoughts during their ride; her words are never given.
- Love Poetry — The speaker relinquishes his hope of being loved but treasures a final ride beside the woman he loves.
- Philosophical Poetry — The speaker compares desire with achievement in politics, war, and art, then questions whether heaven could preserve the present ride.
Tags
unrequited love · parting · riding · human achievement · heaven · eternity
What this Textopian page supports
The Last Ride Together is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Browning, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Browning
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Dramatic Monologue, Love Poetry, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 1,254 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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