Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Richard WatsonGilder

911 Hast Thou Heard the Nightingale?

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;

I rather felt than heard

The song of that lone bird:

Yes, I have heard the nightingale.

I heard it, and I followed;

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:

Yes, I have heard the nightingale.

Well doth each throbbing ember

The flame remember;

And I, how quick that sound

Turned drops from a deep wound!

How this heart was the thorn

Which pierced that breast forlorn!

Yes, I have heard the nightingale.