| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 911. Hast Thou Heard the Nightingale? |
| | | By Richard Watson Gilder |
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| YES, I have heard the nightingale. | |
| As in dark woods I wandered, | |
| And dreamed and pondered, | |
| A voice passed by all fire | |
| And passion and desire; | 5 |
| I rather felt than heard | |
| The song of that lone bird: | |
| Yes, I have heard the nightingale. | |
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| Yes, I have heard the nightingale. | |
| I heard it, and I followed; | 10 |
| The warm night swallowed | |
| This soul and body of mine, | |
| As burning thirst takes wine, | |
| While on and on I pressed | |
| Close to that singing breast: | 15 |
| Yes, I have heard the nightingale. | |
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| Yes, I have heard the nightingale. | |
| Well doth each throbbing ember | |
| The flame remember; | |
| And I, how quick that sound | 20 |
| Turned drops from a deep wound! | |
| How this heart was the thorn | |
| Which pierced that breast forlorn! | |
| Yes, I have heard the nightingale. | |
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