Edwin Arnold

Dedicatory Sonnet

If sound or strain in any lay of mine
Not all unwelcome or unworthy be-
If any pleasant measure lead the line,
And make faint echo of fair melody;
That sound and strain is dedicate to thee,
And thine the measure; for that thou of all
Unto my first and faltering minstrelsy
Didst lend most gracious ear; if it befall,
As well it may, tht all too low and long
The harp-string ringeth now, take thou no shame
That so I link thy merit with my song,
Thou courteous Lady! for a noble name,
Not the less sheweth beautiful and bright,
Though pale the star that gives its letters light.