Look how the golden ocean shines above <br />Its pebbly stones, and magnifies their girth; <br />So does the bright and blessed light of Love <br />Its own things glorify, and raise their worth. <br />As weeds seem flowers beneath the flattering brine, <br />And stones like gems, and gems as gems indeed, <br />Ev'n so our tokens shine; nay, they outshine <br />Pebbles and pearls, and gems and coral weed; <br />For where be ocean waves but half so clear, <br />So calmly constant, and so kindly warm, <br />As Love's most mild and glowing atmosphere, <br />That hath no dregs to be upturn'd by storm? <br />Thus, sweet, thy gracious gifts are gifts of price, <br />And more than gold to doting Avarice.<br /><br />Thomas Hood<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-on-receiving-a-gift/
