Text: Thomas H. Chivers, “Caelicola,” Petersen’s Magazine (Philadelphia, PA), vol. XVII, no. 2, February 1850, p. 102

LIKE that sweet bird of night,

Startling the ebon silence from repose,

Until the stars appear to burn more bright

From its excessive gush of song which flows

Like some impetuous river to the sea —

So thou did’st flood the world with melody.

 

For as the evening star

Pants with its “silver lightnings” for the high

And holy Heavens — the azure calm afar —

Climbing with labor now the bending sky

To lead Night’s Navy through the upper sea —

So thou did’st pant for immortality.

 

And now thou art in Heaven!

The Israfel among the sons of song!

Like Hesperus among the stars of even! [column 2:]

Great Shepherd! folding thy celestial throng,

With lips all honeyed with the dews of love,

Into the Paradise of bliss above.

 

Yes! thou art now in Heaven!

Leader of that seraphic host which sing

God’s praises through the Eden-bowers of even —

Drinking refreshing droughts from that sweet spring

Which flows out of God’s everlasting sea

To green the joy-fields of Eternity.

 

As yon bright star of even,

Ascending, kindling in its rapid flight —

Forever to endure — till in high Heaven

It shines the captain of the host of night —

So did thy glory-circled spirit climb

The mount of Fame which overlooks all Time.