Richard Watson Gilder

I am the laughter of the new-born child
On whose soft-breathing sleep an angel smiled.

I am the laughter of the new-born child
On whose soft-breathing sleep an angel smiled.

What babe new born is this that in a manger cries?
Near on her lowly bed his happy mother read more

What babe new born is this that in a manger cries?
Near on her lowly bed his happy mother lies.
Oh, see the air is shaken with white and heavenly wings--
This is the Lord of all the earth, this is the King of Kings.

I am the spirit of the morning sea,
I am the awakening and the glad surprise.

I am the spirit of the morning sea,
I am the awakening and the glad surprise.

My name may have buoyancy enough to float upon the sea of time.

My name may have buoyancy enough to float upon the sea of time.

What is a Sonnet? 'Tis the pearly shell
That murmurs of the far-off, murmuring sea;
A precious read more

What is a Sonnet? 'Tis the pearly shell
That murmurs of the far-off, murmuring sea;
A precious jewel carved most curiously;
It is a little picture painted well.
What is a Sonnet? 'Tis the tear that fell
From a great poet's hidden ecstasy;
A two-edged sword, a star, a song--ah me!
Sometimes a heavy tolling funeral bell.