Sonnet XLI

I thank all who have loved me in their hearts,

With thanks and love from mine. Deep thanks to all

Who paused a little near the prison-wall,

To hear my music in its louder parts,

Ere they went onward, each one to the mart's

Or temple's occupation, beyond call.

But thou, who in my voice's sink and fall,

When the sob took it, thy divinest Art's

Own instrument, didst drop down at thy foot,

To hearken what I said between my tears,..

Instruct me how to thank thee!—Oh, to shoot

My soul's full meaning into future years,

That they should lend it utterance, and salute

Love that endures! with Life that disappears!