| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 399. “Like As the Lark” |
| | | By Thomas William Parsons |
| | | | | | Quale allodetta che in aere si spazia |
| Prima cantando, e poi tace, contenta, |
| Dell’ ultima dolcezza che la sazia. |
| DANTE: Paradiso, XX. |
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| 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, | 5 |
| 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, | 10 |
| 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. | 15 |
| 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. | 20 |
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