HAST THOU HEARD THE NIGHTINGALE?
Yes, I have heard the nightingale.
As in dark woods I wandered,
And dreamed and pondered,
A voice past by all fire
And passion and desire;
I rather felt than heard
The song of that lone bird;
Yes, I have heard the nightingale.
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 prest
Close to that singing breast;
Yes, I have heard the nightingale.
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.
"IN THAT DREAD, DREAMED-OF HOUR"
In that dread, dreamed-of hour
When in her heart love's rose flames into flower,
'T is never, never yes,
But no, no, no, whate'er the startled eyes confess.
