As oft of old, I watched the sun leap o'er
The golden barriers of the farthest West,
And saw the stars on heaven's deep azure breast
In splendor blaze as never seen before;
And then upon mine ear began to pour,
In waves innumerous that knew no rest,
The sharp, sweet notes of myriad ones that blest
My inmost soul with more than music's lore:
Unnoted these great stars glow all the day,
Unheard these tiny insects chirp their lay--
Eclipsed by louder sound, by brighter light.
Thus many a sweet and patient one of earth
Shines on, sings on, unmarked her priceless worth
Till she has glorified Misfortune's night.