SONNET
Reading edition
TO A BOOK OF IMAGINATION; OR, THE LITERATURE OF THE FUTURE.
Go forth, fair book! Go, countenanced like that man Upon whose brow all Eden’s light was stayed; Beauteous as truth, go forth to cheer and aid, Breathing of greatness ours ere sin began; With angel-wing from eyes earth-wearied fan Convention’s mist; revive great hopes that fade; Bid nature rule where reigned but masquerade; Bear witness to the joy divine that ran Down to Creation’s heart, while, bending o’er it, The great Creator saw that all was good— The mightier joy, when, dying to restore it, He rose who washed it in his conquering blood. Go forth, a seer in minstrel raiment clad; Say to the meek, “Be strong”; the poor, “Be glad!”
—Aubrey de Vere.