University of Virginia Library


90

SONNET IV
TO VICTOR HUGO

Measureless spirit! In whom the winds unite
Their viewless strength,—for whom the stars and seas
Sing,—and the soft voice of the fragrant breeze
Of summer, and the snow-storms wild and white;
Through whom the human limitless delight
Of passion trembles:—at whose kingly knees
Love rests content, while evil quails and flees;
Thy brow with God's own golden dawn is bright.
All blood-stained terror, and pale sin, and crime,
Thou viewest with equal, yet most burning, eyes:—
Before thee open the blue folds of skies:—
Thou canst outsing the stormiest surge of time,—
Stand where the rocks and rolling thunders chime,—
Yet through thy song the prayers of children rise.