Dedicatory Sonnet (To Albert Hinckley, Plainfield, Conn.)

Ere this the World had placed thee high among
     Her wise and good—the honored of all time—
     Pure, generous spirits, who, in faith sublime,
Plead for the RIGHT with eloquent pen and tongue—
Had not Disease her blighting mildew flung
     Over thy life, and held thy panting soul
     Back, with its proud aspirings, from the goal
We sought with mutual hope when both were young.
Yet, uncaressed by Fame, thou’rt not less dear
     To the few friends who know thy worth, and prize
     The lustrous gem concealed from others’ eyes—
So have I brough, for thine acceptance here,
A rudely fashioned lay—Oh, for the sake
Of unforgotten love, this feeble tribute take.