Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Anne ReeveAldrich

1579 A Song about Singing

O NIGHTINGALE, the poet’s bird,

A kinsman dear thou art,

Who never sings so well as when

The rose-thorns bruise his heart.

But since thy agony can make

A listening world so blest,

Be sure it cares but little for

Thy wounded, bleeding breast!