The Veery + 

The moonbeams over Arno’s vale in silver flood were pouring, + 

When first I heard the nightingale a long-lost love deploring. + 

So passionate, so full of pain, it sounded strange and eerie; + 

I longed to hear a simpler strain⁠—the wood-notes of the veery. + 

The laverock sings a bonny lay above the Scottish heather; + 

It sprinkles down from far away like light and love together; + 

He drops the golden notes to greet his brooding mate, his dearie; + 

I only know one song more sweet⁠—the vespers of the veery. + 

In English gardens, green and bright and full of fruity treasure, + 

I heard the blackbird with delight repeat his merry measure: + 

The ballad was a pleasant one, the tune was loud and cheery, + 

And yet, with every setting sun, I listened for the veery. + 

But far away, and far away, the tawny thrush is singing; + 

New England woods, at close of day, with that clear chant are ringing: + 

And when my light of life is low, and heart and flesh are weary, + 

I fain would hear, before I go, the wood-notes of the veery. + 