 | The poetical works of William H. C. Hosmer |  |
DEDICATORY SONNET.
Thou hast been, Sire, my guardian and my guide,And therefore it is meet that unto thee
The few stray leaves should dedicated be
Which I commit to Fortune's changeful tide:
Thy voice aroused me from desponding mood,
When pale with letter'd toil, as trumpet blast,
Heard in the watch of midnight, sendeth blood
Through veins of startled warrior warm and fast.
In Europe's worn-out world I have not sought
Heroic theme, but in my native vale,
Moved by the red man's legendary tale,
Perchance from Nature's altar-flame have caught
One kindling spark—and, Father, if my strain
Win word of praise from thee, I have not sung in vain.
| The poetical works of William H. C. Hosmer | |