Skip to content
1770–1850

TO THE CUCKOO

William Wordsworth

Not the whole warbling grove in concert heard When sunshine follows shower, the breast can thrill Like the first summons, Cuckoo! of thy bill, With its twin notes inseparably paired.

The captive‘ mid damp vaults unsunned, unaired, Measuring the periods of his lonely doom, That cry can reach; and to the sick man's room Sends gladness, by no languid smile declared.

The lordly eagle-race through hostile search May perish; time may come when never more The wilderness shall hear the lion roar; But, long as cock shall crow from household perch

To rouse the dawn, soft gales shall speed thy wing, And thy erratic voicebe faithful to the Spring!

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
TO THE CUCKOO · William Wordsworth · Poetry Cove