A Sonnet is a moment's monument[31]，—
Memorial from the Soul's eternity
To one dead deathless hour.Look that it be,
Whether for lustral rite or dire portent[32]
Of its own arduous fulness reverent:
Carve it in ivory or in ebony,
As Day or Night may rule;and let Time see
Its flowering crest impearled[33] and orient[34].
A Sonnet is a coin:its face reveals
The soul,its converse,to what Power 'tis due:-
Whether for tribute to the august appeals
Of Life,or dower in Love's high retinue,
It serve;or'mid the dark wharf's cavernous breath,
In Charon's palm it pay the toll to Death.
