“HARK! ’TIS THE THRUSH, UNDAUNTED, UNDEPREST”

Composed 1838.—Published 1838

One of the “Miscellaneous Sonnets.”—Ed.

Hark! ’tis the Thrush, undaunted, undeprest,

By twilight premature of cloud and rain;

Nor does that roaring wind deaden his strain [174]

Who carols thinking of his Love and nest,

And seems, as more incited, still more blest. 5

Thanks; thou hast snapped a fire-side Prisoner’s chain,

Exulting Warbler! eased a fretted brain,

And in a moment charmed my cares to rest.

Yes, I will forth, bold Bird! and front the blast,

That we may sing together, if thou wilt, 10

So loud, so clear, my Partner through life’s day,

Mute in her nest love-chosen, if not love-built

Like thine, shall gladden, as in seasons past,

Thrilled by loose snatches of the social Lay.

Rydal Mount, 1838.

[174] 1838.

… undaunted, unopprest,

Struggling with twilight premature and rain.

Loud roars the wind, but smothers not his strain

MS.