Proem：The Sonnet

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 arduous fulness reverent：

Carve it in ivory or in ebony，

As Day or Night may rule；and let Time see

Its 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.

1. “monument”一词包含“moment”。人们造塔树碑，立像题诗，很多时候正是为了“纪念”过去某个重要的“瞬间”或“时刻”，为了保存关于过去的“记忆”。
2. “涤罪的仪式”和“可怖的预言”是人类赋予“十四行诗”或者“诗歌”的巫术或宗教功能。也就是说，诗人兼具祭司（priest）和预言家（prophet）的角色。
3. 这颗被缀上花冠的明珠指的就是十四行诗集《生命之殿》。
4. “orient”既有“闪闪发光的”意思，也有“（太阳）上升的、新生的”含义。后一含义与前一行的“时间”（Time）相关。