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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE NIGHTINGALE [AND THE STOCK-DOVE] by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: O NIGHTINGALE! THOU SURELY ART
Last Line: THAT WAS THE SONG -- THE SONG FOR ME!
Subject(s): BIRDS; NIGHTINGALES;
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.
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!





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