On the Fifty-Fifth Sonnet of Shakespeare
The soul leaps up to hear this mighty sound,
Of Shakespeare triumphing. With glistening eye,
Forward he sent his spirit, to espy
Time’s gratitude, and catch the far rebound
Of fame from worlds unpeopled yet; and, crowned
With brightening light through all futurity,
His image to behold up-reaching high,
‘Mongst the world’s benefactors most renowned.
Like to the ecstasy, by man unnamed,
The sheral music doth to gods impart,
Was the deep joy that thou hast here proclaimed
Thy song’s eternal echo gave thy heart.
O, the world thanks thee that thou ‘st let us see,
Thou knew’st how great thou wast, how prized to be!
The soul leaps up to hear this mighty sound,
Of Shakespeare triumphing. With glistening eye,
Forward he sent his spirit, to espy
Time’s gratitude, and catch the far rebound
Of fame from worlds unpeopled yet; and, crowned
With brightening light through all futurity,
His image to behold up-reaching high,
‘Mongst the world’s benefactors most renowned.
Like to the ecstasy, by man unnamed,
The sheral music doth to gods impart,
Was the deep joy that thou hast here proclaimed
Thy song’s eternal echo gave thy heart.
O, the world thanks thee that thou ‘st let us see,
Thou knew’st how great thou wast, how prized to be!