Sonnet Xvii. The Microscope.

THE small enlarged, the distant nearer brought To sight, made marvels in a denser age. But Science turns with every year a page In the enchanted volume of her thought. The wizard's wand no longer now is sought. Yet with a cunning toy the Archimage May hear from Rome Vesuvius' thunders rage, And earthquake mutterings underground are caught, Alike with trivial sounds. Would there might rise Some spiritual seer, some prophet wise, Whose tactile vision would avert the woes Born of conflicting forces in the state; — Some listener to the deep volcanic throes Below the surface — ere we cry, 'Too late!'