McGuffey's Fifth Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition · Lesson LXXXVII · Part 9: Soldiers, birds, seeds and society
93. The Winged Worshipers (Charles Sprague)
Goal: Your child explains whom the poem is spoken to and what the poet wishes he could learn from them.
You'll need
- The book, open to this lesson
- A notebook or lined paper and a pencil
What's in the book
A short poem by Charles Sprague. A note says it was written to two swallows that flew into a church during the service. The poet asks why these sinless birds have come, and wishes he could fly with them.
The lesson, step by step
About the author
The book says Charles Sprague (b. 1791, d. 1875) was born in Boston, left school young to go into business, and was cashier of the Globe Bank of Boston from 1825 to 1864. He wrote few poems, but the book counts them among the best American poetry.
The note first
Read the Note at the end before the poem: it was written to two swallows that flew into church during service. Ask your child to picture it.
Read aloud
Read the poem aloud. It begins by speaking to the birds:
Gay, guiltless pair,
What seek ye from the fields of heaven?
Ye have no need of prayer,
Ye have no sins to be forgiven.
Words and meanings
The words and meanings are printed at the end of the lesson. Read a few together before the reading, so they don't trip your child up:
Perch, to light or settle on any thing.
Penance, suffering for sin.
Lays, songs.
Trackless, having no path.
The book also says "dome" can mean the heavens. Find where the poem says "yon blue dome."
Talk about it
SayWhy does the poet say the birds have no need of prayer?
SayNear the end, what does he ask the birds to teach him?
SayThe whole poem talks to the birds, as if they could hear. Why might a poet write that way?
Memorize
Learn the first stanza (above) by heart. Then try reading the whole poem in a quiet, wondering voice.