Poem by Christopher Pearse Cranch

Sonnet 23. Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony

THE mind's deep history here in tones is wrought,
The faith, the struggles of the aspiring soul,
The confidence of youth, the chill control
Of manhood's doubts by stern experience taught;
Alternate moods of bold and timorous thought,
Sunshine and shadow — cloud and aureole;
The failing foothold as the shining goal
Appears, and truth so long, so fondly sought
Is blurred and dimmed. Again and yet again
The exulting march resounds. We must win now!
Slowly the doubts dissolve in clearer air.
Bolder and grander the triumphal strain
Ascends. Heaven's light is glancing on the brow,
And turns to boundless hope the old despair.

1. Sonnet 8. You were not born to hide such gifts as yours
2. Sonnet 29. Life and Death. 1.
3. Sonnet 12. The Ocean Steamer
4. Sonnet 18. The Fireside
5. Prince Yousuf and the Alcayde

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