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—