SONNET.
Reading edition
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BY CAROLINE MAY.
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Love before admiration! Yes, oh yes!
Far sooner than give up the quiet love
Of a few warm, strong hearts, or even less,
Of one true heart alone, where like a dove,
To her own nest, I may for comfort press,
I’d yield the admiration of the world,
Were the world’s admiration mine! Confess,
Thou, over whom Fame’s banner is unfurled,
Can that broad banner hide thee from distress?
Thou, in whose ears the trumpet-peals of Fame
Forever sound, can those loud peals suppress
The secret sigh that trembles through thy frame?
Ah no! Take empty Fame away, and give
Love before admiration, or I cannot live.