. . . The dove and very blessed spirit of peace, . . .

. . . The dove and very blessed spirit of peace, . . .

And oft I heard the tender dove
In firry woodlands making moan.

And oft I heard the tender dove
In firry woodlands making moan.

As when the dove returning bore the mark
Of earth restored to the long labouring ark;
The read more

As when the dove returning bore the mark
Of earth restored to the long labouring ark;
The relics of mankind, secure at rest,
Open every window to receive the guest,
And the fair bearer of the message bless'd.

I heard a Stock-dove sing or say
His homely tale, this very day;
His voice was buried read more

I heard a Stock-dove sing or say
His homely tale, this very day;
His voice was buried among trees,
Yet to be come at by the breeze:
He did not cease; but cooed--and cooed:
And somewhat pensively he wooed:
He sang of love, with quiet blending,
Slow to begin, and never ending;
Of serious faith, and inward glee;
That was the song,--the song for me!

As the hawk is wont to pursue the trembling doves.
[Lat., Ut solet accipiter trepidas agitare columbas.]

As the hawk is wont to pursue the trembling doves.
[Lat., Ut solet accipiter trepidas agitare columbas.]

The Dove,
On silver pinions, winged her peaceful way.

The Dove,
On silver pinions, winged her peaceful way.

So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows
As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.

So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows
As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.

Listen, sweet Dove, unto my song,
And spread thy golden wings in me;
Hatching my tender heart read more

Listen, sweet Dove, unto my song,
And spread thy golden wings in me;
Hatching my tender heart so long,
Till it get wing, and flie away with Thee.

And there my little doves did sit
With feathers softly brown
And glittering eyes that showed their read more

And there my little doves did sit
With feathers softly brown
And glittering eyes that showed their right
To general Nature's deep delight.