27 APRIL 1889, Page 16

THE SONNET.

WHAT is the sonnet P 'Tis a flower whose seed

Is some sublime emotion of the soul, That springeth into form as beautiful As lily or violet, or winsome weed, Or glowing rose or daisy of the mead ; Obedient to a lyrical control, Bursts into bloom the theme of joy or dole, Of hope or memory, noble thought or deed.

The wider realms of man's creative power

Lie open to the mighty kings of song,

To whom all things in heaven and earth belong : But the kind Muse hath many a secret bower For humbler votaries,—the gentle throng Who cultivate the Sonnet's fragrant flower.