A sonnet is a moment's monument,— memorial from the soul's eternity to one dead deathless hour. Look that it be, whether for lustral rite or dire portent, of its own intricate fulness reverent: carve it in ivory or in ebony, as day or night prevail; and let time see it's flowering crest impearled and orient. A sonnet is a coin: its face reveals the soul,—its converse, to what power 'tis due:— whether for tribute to the august appeals of life, or dower in love's high retinue, it serve; or, 'mid the dark wharf's cavernous breath, in charon's palm it pay the toll to death. Date: 27 April 1880. Dimensions: 10 × 19 cm (3.9 × 7.4 in). Medium: pen and ink. Collection: Private collection. Dante Gabriel Rossetti - Anima - The Sonnet
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