“O NIGHTINGALE! THOU SURELY ART”
O NIGHTINGALE! thou surely art A creature of a “fiery heart”:– These notes of thine–they pierce and pierce; Tumultuous harmony and fierce! Thou sing’st as if the God of wine Had helped thee to a Valentine; A song in mockery and despite Of shades, and dews, and silent night; And steady bliss, and all the loves Now sleeping in these peaceful groves. 10 I heard a Stock-dove sing or say His homely tale, this very day; His voice was buried among trees, Yet to be come at by the breeze: He did not cease; but cooed–and cooed; And somewhat pensively he wooed: He sang of love, with quiet blending, Slow to begin, and never ending; Of serious faith, and inward glee; That was the song–the song for me! 20 1807.