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.

Against the darkness outer
God's light his likeness takes,
And he from the mighty doubter
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Against the darkness outer
God's light his likeness takes,
And he from the mighty doubter
The great believer makes.

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!

My name may have buoyancy enough to float upon the sea of time.

My name may have buoyancy enough to float upon the sea of time.

"Whose name was writ in water!" What large laughter
Among the immortals when that word was brought!
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"Whose name was writ in water!" What large laughter
Among the immortals when that word was brought!
Then when his fiery spirit rose flaming after,
High toward the topmost heaven of heavens up-caught!
"All hail! our younger brother!" Shakespeare said,
And Dante nodded his imperial head.