| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 432. Fledglings |
| | | By Thomas Lake Harris |
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| WHY should we waste and weep? | |
| The Summers weave | |
| A nest of blossoms deep. | |
| Sad hearts, why grieve? | |
| We downy birdlings are | 5 |
| Unfledged for flight: | |
| God’s love-wind woos afar; | |
| Its name, Delight. | |
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| From arcades vast and dim | |
| What songs disthrall? | 10 |
| Through Nature’s endless hymn, | |
| Our kindred call. | |
| Mysterious murmurings, | |
| When night is lone, | |
| Glide, as to lift our wings | 15 |
| For flights unknown. | |
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| In melody we form, | |
| By sweetness fill: | |
| For gladness, pure and warm, | |
| Our bosoms thrill. | 20 |
| Soon shall our choiring bands, | |
| Upborne for glee, | |
| Find in God’s garden lands | |
| Their bridal tree. | |
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| Eternity prepares | 25 |
| Her gift in Time, | |
| And flows by fragrant airs | |
| That lead the prime. | |
| Chill shadows touch the eyes; | |
| Their orbs are wet; | 30 |
| But God shall for us rise, | |
| When stars have set. | |
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