| Higginson and Bigelow, comps. American Sonnets. 1891. | | | | Milton | | By George Lunt (1803–1885) |
| | | WIDEST, to him whose noblest life has sought | |
| Life’s noblest aim, long ere its shadows close, | |
| Unfolds the golden gate; the stream outflows | |
| Whence the free spirit drinks divinest thought. | |
| Then, visions from the Empyrean caught | 5 |
| Imbue the waiting soul; the bridal rose | |
| Of Sharon blended with the lily glows, | |
| For him in one immortal chaplet wrought; | |
| Deeper and holier than the hope of youth | |
| The heart’s high trust, as mortal ties decay; | 10 |
| Too oft, our broken manhood tears of ruth | |
| Demands; at morn, we know not of the day; | |
| Fair holds its promise, when, redeemed like truth, | |
| Clear evening melts in depths of heaven away. | | | | |
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