CHIEF in thy generation born of men <br />Whom English praise acclaimed as English-born, <br />With eyes that matched the worldwide eyes of morn <br />For gleam of tears or laughter, tenderest then <br />When thoughts of children warmed their light, or when <br />Reverence of age with love and labour worn, <br />Or godlike pity fired with godlike scorn, <br />Shot through them flame that winged thy swift live pen: <br />Where stars and suns that we behold not burn, <br />Higher even than here, though highest was here thy place, <br />Love sees thy spirit laugh and speak and shine <br />With Shakespeare and the soft bright soul of Sterne <br />And Fielding’s kindliest might and Goldsmith’s grace j <br />Scarce one more loved or worthier love than thine.<br /><br />Algernon Charles Swinburne<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/dickens-sonnets/
