The Sky-lark, when the dews of morn
Hang tremulous on flower and thorn,
And violets round his nest exhale
Their fragrance on the early gale,
To the first sunbeam spreads his wings,
Buoyant with joy, and soars, and sings.
He rests not on the leafy spray,
To warble his exulting lay,
But high above the morning cloud
Mounts in triumphant freedom proud,
And swells, when nearest to the sky,
His notes of sweetest ecstasy.
Thus, my Creator! thus the more
My spirit’s wing to Thee can soar,
The more she triumphs to behold
Thy love in all thy works unfold,
And bids her hymns of rapture be
Most glad, when rising most to Thee!
Hymns on the Works of Nature, for the Use of Children (1827) | Felicia Dorothea Hemans (1793–1835)
Suggestions
- Determine the rhyme scheme. (aabbcc)
- Copy your favorite stanza and illustrate it on Drawing and Writing paper.
- Compare/contrast this poem with the one by Shelley.
- As the author compares herself to the skylark, what characteristics does she wish to borrow? Make a list.
Additional Resources
Free Nature Studies: Hunting Birds With Eyes & Camera
Learn more about skylarks.
