quote · Legacy record
Ye gentle birds, that perch aloof, And smooth your pinions on my roof, Preparing for departure hence, Ere winter’s angry threats commence: Like you my soul would smooth her plume, For longer flights beyond the tomb. May God, by whom is seen and heard Departing man and wandering bird, In mercy mark me for His own, And guide me to the land unknown!
Ye gentle birds, that perch aloof, And smooth your pinions on my roof, Preparing for departure hence, Ere winter’s angry threats commence: Like you my soul would smooth her plume, For longer flights beyond the tomb. May God, by whom is seen and heard Departing man and wandering bird, In mercy mark me for His own, And guide me to the land unknown!
In print by 1888 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Meaning not yet available
An individual explanation has not yet been added. We do not substitute a generic description for an interpretation of these particular words.
Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Hayley (identity unresolved)
Attribution: unknown - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1888 AD · industrial
In print by 1888: recorded in A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 71 · printed citation: Hayley · subject: BIRDS—FOWLS
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.