Analysis of From The House Of Life 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 impearl'd 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.