| Higginson and Bigelow, comps. American Sonnets. 1891. | | | | Evolution | | By Hjalmar Hjorth Boyeson (1848–1895) |
| | | SUBLIME is life, though in beginnings base | |
| At first enkindled. In this clod of mould | |
| Beats with faint spirit-pulse the heart of gold | |
| That warms the lily’s cheek; its silent grace | |
| Dwells unborn ’neath this sod. Fain would I trace | 5 |
| The potent mystery which, like Midas’ hand, | |
| Thrills the mean clay into refulgence grand; | |
| For, gazing down the misty aisles of space | |
| And time, upon my sight vast visions throng | |
| Of the imperial destiny of man. | 10 |
| The life that throbbed in plant and beast ere long | |
| Will break still wider orbits in its van,— | |
| A race of peace-robed conquerors and kings, | |
| Achieving evermore diviner things. | | | | |
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