On Leigh Hunt’s Poem, the ‘Story of Rimini’
On Leigh Hunt’s Poem, the ‘Story of Rimini’ - form Summary
Sonnet of Gentle Praise
This short sonnet, written in 1816 as a commendation of Leigh Hunt’s The Story of Rimini, uses compact, pastoral imagery to invite a receptive reader into a private mood. The sonnet form concentrates praise into a calm, intimate address, pairing daylight and starlight scenes to suggest inward delight. Its closed, focused shape frames admiration as a personal, transportive experience rather than a public critique.
Read Complete AnalysesWho loves to peer up at the morning sun, With half-shut eyes and comfortable cheek, Let him, with this sweet tale, full often seek For meadows where the little rivers run; Who loves to linger with that brightest one Of Heaven—Hesperus—let him lowly speak These numbers to the night, and starlight meek, Or moon, if that her hunting be begun. He who knows these delights, and too is prone To moralize upon a smile or tear, Will find at once a region of his own, A bower for his spirit, and will steer To alleys where the fir-tree drops its cone, Where robins hop, and fallen leaves are sear.
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