Sonnet To An Enthusiast
by
Young ardent soul, graced with fair Nature’s truth,
Spring warmth of heart, and fervency of mind,
And still a large late love of all thy kind.
Spite of the world’s cold practice and Time’s tooth,–
For all these gifts, I know not, in fair sooth,
Whether to give thee joy, or bid thee blind
Thine eyes with tears,–that thou hast not resign’d
The passionate fire and freshness of thy youth:
For as the current of thy life shall flow,
Gilded by shine of sun or shadow-stain’d,
Through flow’ry valley or unwholesome fen,
Thrice blessed in thy joy, or in thy woe
Thrice cursed of thy race,–thou art ordain’d
To share beyond the lot of common men.