Ebenezer Elliot - Powers of the Sonnet lyrics

Why should the tiny harp be chained to themes In fourteen lines, with pedant rigour bound? The sonnet's might is mightier than it seems: Witness the bard of Eden lost and found, Who gave this lute a clarion's battle sound. And lo! another Milton calmly turns His eyes within, a light that ever burns, Waiting till Wordsworth's second peer be found! Meantime, Fitzadam's mournful music shows That the scorned sonnet's charm may yet endear Some long deep strain, or lay of well-tolled woes; Such as in Byron's couplet brings a tear To manly cheeks, or over his stanza throws Rapture and grief, solemnity and fear.