 | Virginalia ; or, songs of my summer nights |  |
119
SONNET.
THE SONGS OF BIRDS.
“The songs of birds, and the life of Man, are both brief, both soul-filled, and both, as they end, leave behind whispers of Heaven.”
—Jean Paul Richter.The Angel-spirits of all men are glad
At the sweet singing of the joyful birds—
For they have more intelligence than words,
And are best comforts to the heart when sad.
The afflicted, journeying here on earth, are made
More joyful by these Minstrels of the grove,
Whose songs are waftings of the soul of love,
Breathed from Affection's fountain—they are clad
In tones like hues in which they are arrayed—
Some scarlet—others azure—such the Dove,
Whose song is like the soul's love-breathing sigh,
As if an inspiration from above
Had kindled in its heart one melody,
The breath of which is love that cannot die.
New York, May 23, 1841.
| Virginalia ; or, songs of my summer nights | |