Richard Watson Gilder

What is a Sonnet? 'Tis the pearly shell
That murmurs of the far-off, murmuring sea;
A precious read more

What is a Sonnet? 'Tis the pearly shell
That murmurs of the far-off, murmuring sea;
A precious jewel carved most curiously;
It is a little picture painted well.
What is a Sonnet? 'Tis the tear that fell
From a great poet's hidden ecstasy;
A two-edged sword, a star, a song--ah me!
Sometimes a heavy tolling funeral bell.

I am the laughter of the new-born child
On whose soft-breathing sleep an angel smiled.

I am the laughter of the new-born child
On whose soft-breathing sleep an angel smiled.

Since ancient Time began,
Ever on some great soul God laid an infinite burden--
The weight of read more

Since ancient Time began,
Ever on some great soul God laid an infinite burden--
The weight of all this world, the hopes of man,
Conflict and pain, and fame immortal are his guerdon.

What babe new born is this that in a manger cries?
Near on her lowly bed his happy mother read more

What babe new born is this that in a manger cries?
Near on her lowly bed his happy mother lies.
Oh, see the air is shaken with white and heavenly wings--
This is the Lord of all the earth, this is the King of Kings.

The smile of her I love is like the dawn
Whose touch makes Menmon sing:
O see read more

The smile of her I love is like the dawn
Whose touch makes Menmon sing:
O see where wide the golden sunlight flows--
The barren desert blossoms as the rose!