A Sonnet To the Master-Minds of Earth.
Immortal bards, philosophers, and sages
Whose glorious thoughts have lit this darkened world
And raised Truth’s banner, a bright flag unfurled,
To guide men onwards through all future ages
To liberty and peace. Upon your pages
My mind would pasture, as along the meads
The simple flock in innocency feeds,
Till nourished into strength. Through all life’s stages,
In youth, in manhood, and in calm decline
At your clear fountains may my spirit drink
To quench her thirst for knowledge, to refine
Each feeling quick, and learn to nobly think!
Oh! much we need ye! ye bright stars from heaven,
And to our aid may thousands more be given!
Fair Eva next came forward to the task;
She was a joyous creature full of life
And health and beauty. In her rich blue eye
There was a light of gladness, and her cheek
Was clear and rosy as the flowers of spring.
Her step was free, as if the morning breeze
Were ever her companion, and each limb
Had motions graceful as the waving bough.
The love of nature dwelt within her heart
In all its aspects; but her chief delight
Was in the silver, sunny loveliness
Of noontide splendours, or the gorgeous scenes
All gold and crimson, when the day declines
And bids farewell to earth with kingly pomp.
On such she looked with ever-raptured eye,
Until their brilliance had imbued her soul
With joyous thoughts and bright. The theme she chose
Was one expressive of that cheerful tone
Which filled her spirit, and with mellow voice
She gave glad utterance to her—