OH, for a perfect sonnet of all time! Wild music, heralding immortal hopes, Strikes the bold prelude. To it from each clime, Like tropic birds on some green island slopes, Thoughts answering come, high metaphors, brave tropes, In ordered measure and majestic rhyme. And, presently, all hearts, kings', poets', popes', Throb to the truth of this new theme sublime. Anon 'tis reason speaks. A note of death Strengthens the symphony yet fraught with pain, And men seek meanings with abated breath, Vexing their souls,—till lo, once more, the strain Breaks through triumphant, and Love's master voice Thrills the last phrase and bids all joy rejoice. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FAITH AND DESPONDENCY by EMILY JANE BRONTE MORTAL COMBAT by MARY ELIZABETH COLERIDGE CHANGE by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS TALES OF A WAYSIDE INN: THE FIRST DAY: ROBERT OF SICILY by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW SIR GALAHAD by ALFRED TENNYSON STEEL OR GOLD?; THE QUESTION by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON |