2. The Sun has long been set: The Stars are out by twos and threes; The little Birds are piping yet Among the bushes and trees; There's a Cuckoo, and one or two thrushes; And the Cuckoo's sovereign cry Fills all the hollow of the sky! Who would go "parading" On such a night of June ? With that beautiful soft half-moon, And all these innocent blisses, On such a night as this is! 3. 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 A song in mockery and despite Of shades, and dews, and silent Night, Now sleeping in these peaceful groves! I heard a Stockdove sing or say He did not cease; but coo'd-and coo'd; He sang of love with quiet blending, 4. My heart leaps up when I behold So is it now I am a Man; So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die! The Child is Father of the Man; And I could wish my days to be Bound each to each by natural piety. 5. WRITTEN IN MARCH, While resting on the Bridge at the Foot of Brother's Water. The cock is crowing, The small birds twitter, The lake doth glitter, The green field sleeps in the sun; The oldest and youngest Are at work with the strongest ; The cattle are grazing, Their heads never raising; There are forty feeding like one! |