O BIRD THAT CLEAVES THE AZURE SKIES 



O BIRD that cleaves the azure skies 



To poise the tleecy clouds among, 

 What glories greet your searching eves 

 As to the vaulted dome you rise, 



That tmie your voice to thrilling song ? 



What visions of supernal spheres 

 Draw forth those melting melodies, 



That lilting down upon mine ears 



Bring to mine eyes unbidden tears — 

 Oh, tell me, whence those rhapsodies? 



Oh, tell me, bird, the secret lore 



That you have learned in heaven's dome; 

 Far, far, I watch you as you soar 

 The treetops and the mountains o'er — 

 Nay, heaven seems to be your home. 



[6] 



