What is that, mother, the lark, my child

What is that, mother, the lark, my child

Author: George W. Doane
Published in 3 hymnals

Representative Text

Thomas. Mother.
1 What is that, mother? The lark, my child.
The morn has but just look'd out, and smiled,
When he starts from his humble grassy nest,
And is up and away, with the dew on his breast,
And a hymn in his heart, to yon pure bright sphere,
To warble it out in his Maker's ear.
Ever, my child, be thy morn's first lays
Tuned, like the lark, to thy Maker's praise.

Thomas. Mother.
2 What is that, mother? The dove, my son,
And that low sweet voice, like a widow's moan,
Is flowing out from her gentle breast,
Constant and pure by that lonely nest,
As the wave is pour'd from some crystal urn,
For her distant dear one's quick return.
Ever, my son, be thou like the dove,
In friendship as faithful, as constant in love.

Thomas. Mother.
3 What is that, mother? The eagle, boy,
Proudly careering his course of joy,
Firm on his own mountain vigor relying,
Breasting the dark storm, the red bolt defying:
His wing on the wind, and his eye on the sun,
He swerves not a hair, but bears onward right on.
Boy, may the eagle's flight ever be thine,
Onward, and upward, and true to the line.

Thomas. Mother.
4 What is that, mother? The swan, my love,
He is floating down from his native grove,
No loved one now, no nestling nigh,
He is floating down by himself to die;
Death darkens his eye, and unplumes his wings,
Yet the sweetest note is the last he sings.
Live so, my love, that when death shall come,
Swan-like and sweet it may waft thee home.

Source: Linden Harp: a rare collection of popular melodies adapted to sacred and moral songs, original and selected. Illustrated. Also a manual of... #138

Author: George W. Doane

Doane, George Washington, D.D. Bishop Doane was born at Trenton, New Jersey, May 27, 1799, and graduated at Union College, Schenectady, New York. Ordained in 1821, he was Assistant Minister at Trinity Church, New York, till 1824. In 1824 he became a Professor at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn.; in 1828 Rector of Trinity Church, Boston; and, in 1832, Bishop of New Jersey. He founded St. Mary's Hall, Burlington, 1837, and Burlington College, Burlington, 1846. Died April 27, 1859.  Bishop Doane's exceptional talents, learning, and force of character, made him one of the great prelates of his time. His warmth of heart secured devoted friends, who still cherish his memory with revering affection. He passed through many and severe troubles, whi… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: What is that, mother, the lark, my child
Author: George W. Doane
Copyright: Public Domain

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Instances (1 - 3 of 3)

Linden Harp #d165

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Linden Harp #138

Songs for the Little Ones at Home #d226

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