| Higginson and Bigelow, comps. American Sonnets. 1891. | | | | The Poet’s Praise | | By Henry Hamilton (1840–1916) |
| | | WHO feels knows deeper truth than he who sees, | |
| And lives with God in greater harmony; | |
| With Nature rests in closer sympathy, | |
| And draws her honey like the tireless bees. | |
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| He holds the beauty which forever flees | 5 |
| Near to his soul; he hears the melody | |
| Which rings through time and through eternity; | |
| He knows the hopes and loves which always please. | |
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| Therefore, O poet, will I speak thy praise | |
| And listen to the music of thy song, | 10 |
| Or reverent twine about thy brow the bays, | |
| And to thy faithful worshipers belong; | |
| For purest truth finds voice in thy sweet lays, | |
| And perfect love which makes hearts glad and strong. | | | | |
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