Higginson and Bigelow, comps. American Sonnets. 1891.
Partial ReadingsGeorge McKnight (18401897)
T
By Nature thoughts of God, deep and immense,
We cannot read, yet gleams of meaning thence
At times shine on us, clear, distinct, defined.
Hence comes assurance that the human mind,
Though weak in reason and obtuse in sense,
Still owns a share in that intelligence
Whereby the great World-builder has designed
The wondrous plans which Nature’s works disclose.
A child who scans the philosophic page
Of some profoundly meditative sage
May see familiar phrases,—then he knows
That his own simple thoughts and childish lore
Are part of the great scholar’s mental store.