THREE SONNETS TO THE AUTHOR OF ION. 1

[ZaunköniG]

THREE SONNETS TO THE AUTHOR OF ION.

                                    I.

I could not come-to shed a man's rare tears
  With those who honour'd, and who lov'd, thy play ;
My heart said " yes,” but my poor health said " nay,”
Sharp-pain'd of side, and weak' with household fears :

Yet I was with thee,-saw thine high compeers,
Wordsworth and Landor,—saw the pil'd array,
The many-visag'd heart, looking one way,
Come to drink beauteous truth at eyes and ears.

Now, said I to myself, the scenes arise ;
Now comes the sweet of name,* whom great love sunders
From love itself; now, now he gives the skies

The heart they gave (sweet thought 'gainst bitter wonders !)
And ever and ayo, hands, strong with tear-thrill'd eyes,
Snapping the silence, burst in crashing thunders.


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