Sonnet

Say, canst thou number all the stars that gleam
Along the silent air in dazzling light,
And form an qverlasting diadem
For the dark tresses and clear brow of night?
Know'st thou how many flowers attend the Spring,
How many fruits fair Autumn's bounties bring?
Know'st thou each jewell'd cave that hidden lies
Where the bold mariner directs his sail?
Or canst thou count the vivid sparks that rise
Where Etna's and Vesuvius' fires prevail?
How many billows rush with angry roar
Against the barrier of the foamy shore?
If these thou know'st, perchance thy tongue may tell
Her charms, her virtues, whom I love so well!