The Nightingale

Reference:

This beautiful stanza has been selected from the poem “The Nightingale” composed by “Robert Bridges”.

Context:

The poet is pleased to hear the sweet song of the nightingale. He imagines that the place from where they have learnt their song must be beautiful. At this the nightingale clears his illusion. They say that it is rather their sorrow than joy that inspires their songs.

Explanation/Central Idea :

The poet tells us that the nightingales sing sweetly because they must have learnt it from beautiful mountains. He further imagines that the river must be bright and must be flowing through fruitful valleys. He expresses his desire to roam about the starry -woods. But the nightingale says that his guess is not right. The mountains are barren and the river is dry. Their song is the expression of unfulfilled desires that keep them restless. It is expression of deep sorrow. Still they can not express their desires in spite of this talent. It is irony that man enjoys it. When in the morning the countless birds start chirping and welcome the dawn, they are lost in dreams.