This poem is about ‘Tasmanian Nightingale’ Amy Sherwin, a famed soprano singer of the late 1800s. Although born in Huonville and launching her career in Hobart, she spent much of her adult and life touring and teaching in other countries.
The poem was first published by the Hamilton Spectator on Saturday 13 July 1878. It was written by J. Whiteman.
‘To Amy Sherwin’
By J. Whiteman
O, sing! warbler sing! while the angels are listening,
Amazed at the melody poured from thy throat;
While mortals ere moved till the tear-drop is glist’ning,
And joy fills the soul at thy strains as they float.
Sing, warbler sing!
O, sing on for ever! Tasmania’s fair daughter —
Delighting, enchaining all hearts as you sing
Thy notes are crisp as the rippling of water —
No bell-bird’s so clear in their musical ring.
Sing, warbler sing!
The Goddess of Song gave the world a rare treasure.
She sent thee to charm it with sounds most divine,
And oh! for one hour of the exquisite pleasure
Of listening entranced to that sweet voice of thine.
Sing, warbler sing!
‘To Amy Sherwin’. Hamilton Spectator (Vic. : 1870 – 1918), 13 Jul 1878, page 1. Retrieved 11 August 2020 from https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226069384.
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Poet’s Corner is a quaint and quirky section of The Tasmanian Times. It has been designed to offer a haven to those who relish and immerse themselves in the sheer joy and pleasure emanating from English verse. Our idea is to share poems published in Tasmania during the early years of British arrival.
We would also like you to share your poetry with us. Submissions can be sent to [email protected]. Please see www.tasmaniantimes.com/contact for general submission guidelines.
CALLUM J. JONES: Amy Sherwin: A Biography.
