Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET TO ARISTE: 4, by ROBERT SOUTHEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET TO ARISTE: 4, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I praise thee not, ariste, that thine eye
Last Line: The fading orbit smiles serenely bright.
Subject(s): Art & Artists; Creative Ability; Praise; Sonnet (as Literary Form); Soul; Inspiration; Creativity


I PRAISE thee not, Ariste, that thine eye
Knows each emotion of the soul to speak;
That lilies with thy face might fear to vie,
And roses can but emulate thy cheek.
I praise thee not because thine auburn hair
In native tresses wantons on the wind;
Nor yet because that face, surpassing fair,
Bespeaks the inward excellence of mind:
'Tis that soft charm thy minstrel's heart has won,
That mild meek goodness that perfects the rest;
Soothing and soft it steals upon the breast,
As the soft radiance of the setting sun,
When varying through the purple hues of light,
The fading orbit smiles serenely bright.





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