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

By Thomas WilliamParsons

399 “Like As the Lark”

LIKE as the lark that, soaring higher and higher,

Singeth awhile, then stops as ’t were content

With his last sweetness, having filled desire,

So paused our bard; not for his force was spent,

Nor that a string was loosened in his lyre,

But, having said his best and done his best,

He could not better what was given before,

And threescore years and ten, demanding rest,

Whispered, They want thee on the other shore!

And now he walks amid the learned throng,

Haply with him who was the sixth of those

Who towered above the multitude in song,

Or by the side of Geoffrey Chaucer goes,

Who shall remember with his wonted smile

How James found music in his antique style.

But we ’ll not mingle fancies with our sorrow

Nor from his own imagination borrow;

Holmes, who is left us, best could speak his praise

Who knew his heart so well and loved his lays,

And whom Heaven crowns with greater length of days.