| Higginson and Bigelow, comps. American Sonnets. 1891. | | | | Columbus | | By George Washington Wright Houghton (1850–1891) |
| | | HE failed. He reached to grasp Hesperides, | |
| To track the footcourse of the sun, that flies | |
| Toward some far-western couch, and watch its rise,— | |
| But fell on unknown sand-reefs, chains, disease. | |
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| He won. With splendid daring, from the seas’ | 5 |
| Hard, niggard fist he plucked the glittering prize, | |
| And gave a virgin world to Europe’s eyes, | |
| Where gold-dust choked the streams, and spice the breeze. | |
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| He failed fulfillment of the task he planned, | |
| And drooped a weary head on empty hand, | 10 |
| Unconscious of the vaster deed he ’d done; | |
| But royal legacy to Ferdinand | |
| He left: a key to doorways gilt with sun,— | |
| And proudest title of “World-father” won! | | | | |
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