tU^ sr^/>^*4 ^ J!lJ^U o^ t * ■'- Q^n^^p^fju *& V?U t 4sn fci TL&/U&QS{ <1S-P^ #■£ cluj ^ Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library EMORY UNIVERSITY THE COMPLETE POEMS OF PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR OTHER BOOKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR Lyrics of Lowly Life • Lyrics of Lowly Life (Illustrated) . .net 1.60 Lyrics of the Hearth-Side 1.25 Lyrics of Love and Laughter .. 1.25 Lyrics of Sunshine and Shadow .. 1.25 Poems of Cabin and Field (Illustrated) net 1.50 Candle Lightin' Time (Illustrated) . .net 1.50 When Malindy Sings (Illustrated) . .net 1.50 LiV Gal (Illustrated) 1.50 Joggin' Erlong (Illustrated) 1.50 Folks from Dixie (Illustrated) . .net 1.25 TtiE Love of Landry .40 The Sport of the Gods 1.50 In Old Plantation Days (Illustrated) .. 1.50 The Heart of Happy Hollow (Illustrated) 1.50 The Fanatics 1.50 Christmas is a-Comin' . .25 Plantation Portraits .25 The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar 2.00 THE COMPLETE POEMS OF PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR WITH THE INTRODUCTION TO "LYRICS OF LOWLY LIFE" BY W. D. HOWELLS NEW YORK DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 1916 Copyright 1893, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1901, 1902, 1903. 1904, i9°S By The Century Co. Copyright 1897, 1898, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905 By The Curtis Publishing Co. Copyright 1898 By The Outlook Co. Copyright 1898 By J. B. Walker Copyright 1903 By W. H. Gannett Copyright 1896, 1899, 1903, 1905, 1913 By DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY Published, October, 1913 DEDICATIONS LYRICS OF LOWLY LIFE TO MY MOTHER LYRICS OF THE HEARTHSIDE TO ALICE LYRICS OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER TO MISS CATHERINE IMPEY LYRICS OF SUNSHINE AND SHADOW TO MRS. FRANK CONOVER WITH THANKS FOR HER LONG BELIEF INTRODUCTION TO LYRICS OF LOWLY LIFE I think I should scarcely trouble the reader with a special appeal in behalf of this book, if it had not specially appealed to me for reasons apart from the author's race, origin, and condition. The world is too old now, and I find myself too much of its mood, to care for the work of a poet because he is black, because his father and mother were slaves, because he was, before and after he began to write poems, an elevator-boy. These facts would certainly attract me to him as a man, if I knew him to have a literary ambition, but when it came to his literary art, I must judge it irrespective of these facts, and enjoy or endure it for what it was in itself. It seems to me that this was my experience with the poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar when I found it in another form, and in justice to him I cannot wish that it should be otherwise with his readers here. Still, it will legitimately interest those who like to know the causes, or, if these may not be known, the sources, of things, to learn that the father and mother of the first poet of his race in our language were negroes without admixture of white [■ blood. The father escaped from slavery in Kentucky to freedom in Canada, while there was still no hope of freedom otherwise; but the mother was freed by the events of the civil war, and came North to Ohio, where their son was born at Dayton, and grew up with such chances and mischances for mental training as everywhere befall the children of the poor. He has told me that his father picked up the trade of a plasterer, and when he had taught himself to read, loved chiefly to read history. The boy's mother shared his passion for lit¬ erature, with a special love of poetry, and after the father died she struggled on in more than the poverty she had shared with him. She could value the faculty which her son showed first in prose sketches and attempts at fiction, and she was proud of the praise and kindness they won him among the people of the town, where he has never been without the warm¬ est and kindest friends. In fact from every part of Ohio and from several cities of the ad¬ joining States, there came letters in cordial appreciation of the crit¬ ical recognition which it was my in INTRODUCTION pleasure no less than my duty to offer Paul Dunbar's work in an¬ other place. It seemed to me a happy omen for him that so many people who had known him, or known of him, were glad of a stranger's good word; and it was gratifying to see that at home he was esteemed for the things he had done rather than because as the son of negro slaves he had done them. If a prophet is often with¬ out honor in his own country, it surely is nothing against him when he has it. In this case it de¬ prived me of the glory of a dis¬ coverer; but that is sometimes a barren joy, and I am always will¬ ing to forego it. What struck me in reading Mr. Dunbar's poetry was what had al¬ ready struck his friends in Ohio and Indiana, in Kentucky and Illinois. They had felt, as I felt, that however gifted his race had proven itself in music, in oratory, in several of the other arts, here was the first instance of an Ameri¬ can negro who had evinced innate distinction in literature. In my criticism of his book I had alleged Dumas in France, and I had for¬ getfully failed to allege the far greater Pushkin in Russia; but these were both mulattoes, who might have been supposed to derive their qualities from white blood vastly more artistic than ours, and who were the creatures of an en¬ vironment more favorable to their literary development. So far as I could remember, Paul Dunbar was the only man of pure African blood and of American civiliza¬ tion to feel the negro life aesthetic¬ ally and express it lyrically. It seemed to me that this had come to its most modern consciousness in him, and that his brilliant and unique achievement was to have studied the American negro ob¬ jectively, and to have represented him as he found him to be, with humor, with sympathy, and yet with what the reader must instinc¬ tively feel to be entire truthful¬ ness. I said that a race which had come to this effect in any mem¬ ber of it, had attained civilization in him, and I permitted myself the imaginative prophecy that the hos¬ tilities and the prejudices which had so long constrained his race were destined to vanish in the arts; that these were to be the final proof that God had made of one blood all nations of men. I thought his merits positive and not compara¬ tive; and I held that if his black poems had been written by a white man, I should not have found them less admirable. I accepted them as an evidence of the essential unity of the human race, which does not [viii] INTRODUCTION think or feel black in one and white in another, but humanly in all. Yet it appeared to me then, and it appears to me now, that there is a precious difference of tempera¬ ment between the races which it would be a great pity ever to lose, and that this is best preserved and most charmingly suggested by Mr. Dunbar in those pieces of his where he studies the moods and traits of his race in its own accent of our English. We call such pieces dia¬ lect pieces for want of some closer phrase, but they are really not dia¬ lect so much as delightful personal attempts and failures for the writ¬ ten and spoken language. In nothing is his essentially refined and delicate art so well shown as in these pieces, which, as I ven¬ tured to say, described the range between appetite and emotion, with certain lifts far beyond and above it, which is the range of the race. He reveals in these a finely ironical perception of the negro's limitations, with a tenderness for them which I think so very rare as to be almost quite new. I should say, perhaps, that it was this hu¬ morous quality which Mr. Dunbar had added to our literature, and it would be this which would most distinguish him, now and here¬ after. It is something that one [ i feels in nearly all the dialect pieces; and I hope that in the present col¬ lection he has kept all of these in his earlier volume, and added others to them. But the contents of this book are wholly of his own choosing, and I do not know how much or little he may have pre¬ ferred the poems in literary Eng¬ lish. Some of these I thought very good, and even more than very good, but not distinctively his contribution to the body of Ameri¬ can poetry. What I mean is that several people might have written them; but I do not know any one else at present who could quite have written the dialect pieces. These are divinations and reports of what passes in the hearts and minds of a lowly people whose poetry had hitherto been inarticu¬ lately expressed in music, but now finds, for the first time in our tongue, literary interpretation of a very artistic completeness. I say the event is interesting, but how important it shall be can be determined only by Mr. Dun¬ bar's future performance. I can¬ not undertake to prophesy concern¬ ing this; but if he should do nothing more than he has done, I should feel that he had made the strongest claim for the negro in English literature that the negro has yet made. He has at least ] INTRODUCTION produced something that, how- enjoy; in more than one piece he ever we may critically disagree has produced a work of art. about it, we cannot well refuse to W. D. HOWELLS. [ x ] INDEX OF TITLES page Absence 93 Accountability 5 Advice 250 After a Visit 42 After many Days 267 After the Quarrel 40 After While 53 Alexander Crummell — Dead 113 Alice 4° Anchored 256 Angelina 138 Ante-Bellum Sermon, An 13 Appreciation .. .1 247 At Candle-Lightin' Time 155 At Cheshire Cheese 129 At Loafing-Holt 263 At Night 254 At Sunset Time 263 At the Tavern 226 Awakening, The 252 Back-Log Song, A 143 Ballad 58 Ballade 204 Banjo Song, A 20 [ page Barrier, The 99 Behind the Arras 94 Bein' Back Home 259 Beyond the Years 41 Black Samson of Brandy- wine 205 Blue 253 Bohemian, The 92 Boogah Man, The 185 Booker T. Washington .. 209 Border Ballad, A 48 Boy's Summer Song, A ... 235 Breaking the Charm 149 Bridal Measure, A 97 By Rugged Ways 215 By the Stream 50 Cabin Tale, A 153 Capture, The 275 Career, A 285 Change Has Come, The . 58 Change, The 258 Changing Time 72 Chase, The 258 Choice, A 125 Chrismus Is A-Comin' .... 153 i] INDEX OF TITLES page page Chrismus on the Planta- Death of the First Born, tion 137 The 258 Christmas 269 Death Song, A 142 Christmas Carol 278 Debt, The 213 Christmas Folksong, A .. 236 De Critters' Dance 181 Christmas in the Heart . 105 Delinquent, The 64 Circumstances Alter Dely 148 Cases 261 Deserted Plantation, Colored Band, The 178 The 67 Colored Soldiers, The ... 50 Despair 261 Columbian Ode 47 De Way T'ings Come 225 Communion no Differences 192 Comparison 59 Dilettante, The: a Compensation 256 Modern Type 49 Confessional 116 Dinah Kneading Dough . 188 Confidence, A 73 Diplomacy 238 Conquerors, The 112 Dirge 66 Conscience and Remorse . 31 Dirge for a Soldier 199 Coquette Conquered, A 62 Disappointed 60 Corn-Song, A 59 Discovered 60 Corn-Stalk Fiddle, The . 16 Discovery, The 251 Crisis, The in Distinction 114 Curiosity 241 Disturber, The 131 Curtain 42 Douglass 208 Dove, The 167 Dance, The 170 Dream Song I 104 Dat Ol' Mare O' Mine .. 189 Dream Song II 104 Dawn 65 Dreamer, The 100 Day 248 Dreamin' Town 254 Deacon Jones' Grievance 39 Dreams 100 Dead 73 Dreams 166 Death 227 Drizzle 180 [xii] INDEX OF TITLES page « page Drowsy Day, A 65 Good-Night 61 Gourd, The 107 Easy-Goin' Feller, An ... 49 Grievance, A 188 Encouraged 238 Growin' Gray 80 Encouragement 184 End of the Chapter, The ioi Harriet Beecher Stowe .. 119 Equipment 276 Haunted Oak, The 219 Ere Sleep Comes Down to He Had His Dream 61 Soothe the Weary Eyes 3 Her Thought and His ... 93 Evening 276 Hope 247 Expectation 131 How Lucy Backslid 158 How Shall I Woo Thee . 289 Faith 244 " Howdy, Honey, Howdy! " 196 Farewell to Arcady 123 Hunting Song 150 Farm Child's Lullaby, Hymn 66 The 245 Hymn 133 Fisher Child's Lullaby, Hymn, A 98 The 244 Fishing 172 If 75 Florida Night, A 191 Ione 31 Foolin' wid de Seasons ... 139 In an English Garden ... 111 For the Man who Fails .118 In August 130 Forest Greeting, The ... 237 In May 166 Forever 240 In Summer 91 Fount of Tears, The 224 In Summer Time 280 Frederick Douglass ..... 6 In the Morning 190 Frolic, A 200 In the Tents of Akbar .. 223 From the Porch at Inspiration 179 Runnymede 275 Invitation to Love 61 Itching Heels 222 Garret, The 96 Golden Day, A 251 James Whitcomb Riley .. 287 [xiii] INDEX OF TITLES page Jealous 145 Jilted 136 Joggin' Erlong 165 Johnny Speaks 235 Just Whistle a Bit 98 Keep a-pluggin' away 46 Keep a Song up on de Way 169 Kidnaped 255 King Is Dead, The 105 Knight, The 108 Lapse, The 122 Lawyers' Ways, The 22 Lazy Day, A 249 Lesson, The 8 Letter, A 151 Life 8 Life's Tragedy 225 Li'l' Gal 207 Lily of the Valley, The 237 Limitations 250 Lincoln 184 Little Brown Baby 134 Little Christmas Basket, A 174 Little Lucy Landman ... 107 Liza May 267 Lonesome 79 Long Ago 192 'Long to'ds Night 187 Longing 21 PAGE Looking-glass, The 206 Lost Dream, A ... 270 Love 103 Love and Grief 102 Love Despoiled 122 Love Letter, A 266 Love-Song 210 Love Song, A 222 Lover and the Moon, The „. 29 Lover's Lane 132 Love's Apotheosis 89 Love's Castle 201 Love's Draft 252 Love's Humility 106 Love's Phases 117 Love's Pictures 282 Love's Seasons 215 Lullaby 144 Lyric, A 288 Madrigal, A 287 Mare Rubrum no Master-Player, The 17 Masters, The 268 Meadow Lark, The 71 Melancholia 54 Memory of Martha, The 194 Merry Autumn 56 Misty Day, A 207 Misapprehension 117 Monk's Walk, The 209 [xiv] INDEX OF TITLES page Morning 252 Morning Song of Love .. 202 i Mortality 103 My Corn-Cob Pipe 129 My Lady of Castle Grand 180 My Little March Girl .. 120 My Sort o' Man 140 My Sweet BrOwn Gal ... 176 Mystery, The 17 Mystic Sea, The 91 Murdered Lover, The ... 211 Musical, A 253 page Old Memory, An 284 Ol' Tunes, The 53 On a Clean Book 202 On the Death of W. C. .. 284 On the Dedication of Dorothy Hall 214 On the River 285 On the Road 142 On the Sea Wall 115 One Life 72 Opportunity 242 Over the Hills 90 Nature and Art 52 Negro Love Song, A 49 News, The 136 Night 263 Night, Dim Night 227 Night of Love 46 Noddin' by de Fire 201 Noon 226 Nora: a Serenade 62 Not They Who Soar 18 Nutting Song 282 October 63 Ode for Memorial Day .. 22 Ode to Ethiopia 15 Old Apple-Tree, The 10 Old Cabin, The 260 Old Front Gate, The ... 199 Old Homestead, The .... 283 Paradox, The Parted Parted Party, The Passion and Love Path, The Phantom Kiss, The Philosophy Photograph, The Phyllis Place Where the Rain¬ bow Ends, The Plantation Child's Lul¬ laby, The Plantation Portrait, A . Plantation Melody, A .. Plea, A Poet and His Song, The . Poet and the Baby, The 89 240 145 83 11 21 109 312 144 74 246 241 173 193 167 4 114 [>] INDEX OF TITLES PAGE Poet, The 191 Pool, The 198 Poor Withered Rose 286 Possession 198 Possum 141 Possum Trot 147 Prayer, A 14 Precedent 106 Preference, A 213 Premonition 23 Preparation 67 Prometheus 117 Promise 12 Protest 133 Puttin' the Baby Away .. 243 Quilting, The 240 Rain-Songs 270 Real Question, The 135 Religion 38 Reluctance 203 Remembered 121 Resignation 106 Response 175 Retort 5 Retrospection 24 Riding to Town 70 Right to Die, The 94 Right's Security 75 Rising of the Storm, The 8 Rivals, The 27 PAGE River of Ruin, The 265 Roadway, A 214 Robert Gould Shaw 221 Roses 221 Roses and Pearls 270 Sailor's Song, A 92 Sand-Man, The 235 Scamp 239 Secret, The 68 Seedling, The 12 She Gave Me a Rose 103 She Told Her Beads 106 Ships that Pass in the Night 64 Signs of the Times 77 Silence 186 Slow Through the Dark 211 Snowin' 168 Soliloquy of a Turkey ... 171 Song 13 Song 178 Song, A 248 Song, A 271 Song of Summer 26 Song, The 76 Sonnet 115 Sparrow, The 78 Speakin' at de' Cou't- House 205 Speakin' o' Christmas 78 Spellin'-Bee, The 42 [xvi] INDEX OF TITLES Spiritual, A Spring Fever Spring Song Spring Wooing, A .. Starry Night, A ... Summer Night, A .. Stirrup Cup, The .. Summer Pastoral, A Summer's Night, A . Sum, The Sunset Suppose Sympathy Temptation Thanksgiving Poem, A ... Then and Now Theology Thou Art My Lute Till the Wind Gets Right Time to Tinker 'Roun'! . To a Captious Critic To a Lady Playing the Harp To a Dead Friend To a Violet Found on All Saints' Day To an Ingrate To Dan To E. H. K To Her page 194 176 26 164 288 262 125 279 64 114 9 258 102 146 281 129 106 109 262 135 189 116 216 179 223 '248 97 266 page To J. Q 238 To Louise 26 To Pfrimmer 277 To the Eastern Shore ... 202 To the Memory of Mary Young 81 To the Miami 277 To the Road 163 to the South 216 Trouble in de Kitchen .. 268 Tryst, The 166 Turning of the Babies in the Bed, The 170 Twell de Night Is Pas' .. 253 Twilight 241 Two Little Boots 163 Two Songs 19 Unexpressed 25 Unlucky Apple, The 251 Unsung Heroes, The 196 Vagrants 119 Valse, The 175 Vengeance Is Sweet 98 Veteran, The 256 Voice of the Banjo, The . 124 Visitor, The 177 Wadin' in de Creek 239 Waiting 100 Warm Day in Winter, A . 168 [xvii] INDEX C PAGE We Wear the Mask 71 Warrior's Prayer, The .. 123 Weltschmertz 220 W'en I Gits Home 195 What's the Use 249 When a Feller's Itchin' to Be Spanked 264 When all Is Done 113 When de Co'n Pone's Hot 57 When Dey 'Listed Col¬ ored Soldiers 182 When Malindy Sings 82 When Sam'l Sings 208 When the Old Man Smokes 95 When Winter Darkening all Around 275 TITLES PAGE Whip-Poor-Will and Katy-Did 186 Whistling Sam 156 Whittier 18 Why Fades a Dream? 77 Wind and the Sea, The .. 69 Winter-Song 236 Winter's Approach 256 Winter's Day, A 120 With the Lark 90 Wooing, The 55 Worn Out 286 Wraith, The 186 Yesterday and To-Mor- row 257 [xviii] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE A bee that was searching for sweets one day 19 A blue-bell springs upon the ledge 26 A cloud fell down from the heavens 288 A crust of bread and a corner to sleep in 8 A hush is over all the teeming lists 6 A knock is at her door, but she is weak 73 A life was mine full of the close concern 103 A lilt and a swing 226 A little bird with plumage brown 78 A little dreaming by the way 114 A lover whom duty called over the wave 29 A maiden wept and, as a comforter , 11 A man of low degree was sore oppressed 111 A song for the unsung heroes who rose in the country's need 196 A song is but a little thing 4 A youth went farming up and down 55 Across the hills and down the narrow ways 120 Adown the west a golden glow 263 Ah, Douglass, we have fall'n on evil days 208 Ah, I have changed, I do not know 270 Ah, love, my love is like a cry in the night 222 Ah me, it is cold and chill 186 Ah, Nora, my Nora, the light fades away 62 Ah, yes, 't is sweet still to remember, 31 Ah, yes, the chapter ends to-day 101 Ain't it nice to have a mammy 239 Ain't ttobody tol' you not a wo'd a-tall 181 [xix] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGfi Air a-gittin' cool an' coolah 77 All de night long twell de moon goes down 253 All hot and grimy from the road 224 Along by the river of ruin 265 An angel robed in spotless white 65 An old man planted and dug and tended 60 An old, worn harp that had been played 17 As a quiet little seedling 12 As in some dim baronial hall restrained 94 As lone I sat one summer's day 122 As some rapt gazer on the lowly earth 106 Ashes to ashes, dust unto dust 103 At the golden gate of song 179 Aye, lay him in his grave, the old dead year! 105 Back to the breast of thy mother 113 Because I had loved so deeply 256 Because you love me I have much achieved 238 Bedtime's come fu' little boys 144 Belated wanderer of the ways of spring 179 Beyond the years the answer lies 41 Bird of my lady's bower 19 Bones a-gittin' achy 153 Break me my bounds, and let me fly 285 Breezes blowin' middlin' brisk 78 Bring me the livery of no other man 92 By Mystic's banks I held my dream 204 By rugged ways and thro' the night 215 By the pool that I see in my dreams, dear love 198 By the stream I dream in calm delight, and watch as in a glass ... 50 Caught Susanner whistlin'; well 149 [xx] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE Come away to dreamin' town 254 Come, drink a stirrup cup with me 125 Come, essay a sprightly measure 97 Come on walkin' wid me, Lucy; 't ain't no time to mope erroun' ... 164 Come to the pane, draw the curtain apart 120 Come when the nights are bright with stars 61 Cool is the wind, for the summer is waning 163 Cover him over with daisies white 258 Daih's a moughty soothin' feelin' 187 Darling, my darling, my heart is on the wing 202 Days git wa'm an' wa'mah 239 De axes has been ringin' in de woods de blessid day 143 De breeze is blowin' 'cross de bay 145 De 'cession's stahted on de gospel way, 194 De da'kest hour, dey alius say 165 De dog go howlin' 'long de road 247 De night creep down erlong de lan' 166 De ol' time's gone, de new time's hyeah 192 De sun hit shine an' de win' hit blow 256 De times is mighty stirrin' 'mong de people up ouah way 158 De trees is bendin' in de sto'm 193 De way t'ings come, hit seems to me 225 De win' is blowin' wahmah 236 De win' is hollahin' " Daih you " to de shuttahs an' de fiah 174 Dear critic, who my lightness so deplores 189 Dear heart, good-night! 23 Dear Miss Lucy: I been t'inkin' dat I'd write you long fo' dis 151 Deep in my heart that aches with the repression 25 Dey been speakin' at de cou't-house 205 Dey had a gread big pahty down to Tom's de othah night 83 Dey is snow upon the meddahs 16S [xxi] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE Dey is times in life when Nature 57 Dey was oncet a awful quoil 'twixt de skillet an' de pot 268 Dey was talkin' in de cabin, dey was talkin' in de hall 182 Dey's a so't o' threatenin' feelin' in de blowin' of de breeze 171 Dinah stan' befo' de glass 206 Dis is gospel weathah sho'— 26 Do' a-stan'in' on a jar, fiah a-shinin' thoo 196 Dolly sits a-quilting by her mother, stitch by stitch 240 Done are the toils and the wearisome marches 22 Dream days of fond delight and hours 287 Dream on, for dreams are sweet 100 Driftwood gathered here and there 277 Duck come switchin' 'cross de lot 275 Ef dey's anyt'ing dat riles me 141 Ef you's only got de powah fe' to blow a little whistle 250 Eight of 'em hyeah all tol' an' yet 243 Emblem of blasted hope and lost desire 115 Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes 3 Folks ain't got no right to censuah othah folks about dey habits ... 5 Folks is talkin' 'bout de money, 'bout de silvah an' de gold 135 Four hundred years ago a tangled waste 47 Fu' de peace o' my eachin' heels, set down 222 God has his plans, and what if we 81 " Good-bye," I said to my conscience 31 Goo'-by, Jinks, I got to hump 64 Good hunting! — aye, good hunting 237 Good-night, my love, for I have dreamed of thee 93 Granny's gone a-visitin' 242 Grass commence a-comin' 176 [xxii] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE Gray are the pages of record 205 Gray is the palace where she dwells 180 G'way an' quit dat noise, Miss Lucy 82 Hain't you see my Mandy Lou 173 He had his dream, and all through life 61 He loved her, and through many years 129 He sang of life serenely sweet 191 He scribbles some in prose and verse, 49 Heart of my heart, the day is chill 207 Heart of the Southland, heed me pleading now 216 Heel and toe, heel and toe 170 Hello, ole man, you're a-gittin' gray 80 Hit's been drizzlin' an' been sprinklin' 180 Home agin, an' home to stay 259 How shall I woo thee to win thee, mine own? 289 How sweet the music sounded 284 How's a man to write a sonnet, can you tell • • • • 1 lA Hurt was the nation with a mighty wound 184 Hyeah come Caesar Higgins 145 Hyeah dat singin' in de medders 208 " I am but clay," the sinner plead 114 I am no priest of crooks nor creeds ^ . 38 I am the mother of sorrows 89 I be'n down in ole Kentucky 42 I been t'inkin' 'bout de preachah; whut he said de othah night .... 212 I did not know that life could be so sweet 252 I done got 'uligion, honey, an' I's happy ez a king 146 I don't believe in 'ristercrats 140 I grew a rose once more to please mine eyes 13 I grew a rose within a garden fair 12 [xxiii] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE I had not known before 240 I has hyeahd o' people dancin' an' I's hyeahd o' people singin' .... 156 I have no fancy for that ancient cant 94 I have seen full many a sight 188 I held my heart so far from harm 255 I found you and I lost you 251 I know a man 235 I know my love is true 58 I know what the caged bird feels, alas! 102 I never shall furgit that night when father hitched up Dobbin .... 42 I sit upon the old sea wall 115 I stand above the city's rush and din 275 I stood by the shore at the death of day 69 I think that though the clouds be dark 53 I was not; now I am — a few days hence 17 If Death should claim me for her own to-day 210 If life were but a dream, my Love 75 If the muse were mine to tempt it 50 If thro' the sea of night which here surrounds me 256 If 'twere fair to suppose 258 If you could sit with me beside the sea to-day 21 In a small and lonely cabin out of noisy traffic's way 124 In de dead of night I sometimes 260 In Life's Red Sea with faith I plant my feet 110 In the east the morning comes 199 In the heavy earth the miner 107 In the forenoon's restful quiet 95 In the silence of my heart 110 In this sombre garden close 209 In the tents of Akbar 223 In this old garden, fair, I walk to-day Ill I's a-gittin' weary of de way dat people do 244 [xxiv] INDEX OF FIRST LINES j PAGE I's boun' to see my gal to-night 142 I's feelin' kin' o' lonesome in my little room to-night 202 It is as if a silver chord 216 It may be misery not to sing at all 225 It was Chrismus Eve, I mind hit fu' a mighty gloomy day 137 It's all a farce,— these tales they tell 56 It's hot to-day. The bees is buzzin' 279 It's moughty tiahsome layin' 'roun' 195 I've a humble little motto 46 I've always been a faithful man 267 I've been list'nin' to them lawyers 22 I've been watchin' of 'em, parson 39 I've journeyed 'roun' consid'able, a-seein' men an' things 147 Jes' lak toddy wahms you thoo' 148 Just whistle a bit, if the day be dark 98 Key and bar, key and bar 201 Kiss me, Miami, thou most constant one! 277 Know you, winds that blow your course 40 Lay me down beneaf de willers in de grass 142 Lead gently, Lord, and slow 98 Let me close the eyes of my soul 261 Let those who will stride on their barren roads 214 'Lias! 'Lias! Bless de Lawd! 190 Like sea-washed sand upon the shore 202 Like the blush upon the rose 282 Little brown baby wif spa'klin' eyes 134 Little brown face full of smiles 267 Little lady at de do' 177 Long had I grieved at what I deemed abuse 106 Long since, in sore distress, I heard one pray 123 [xxv] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE Long time ago, we too set out H9 Long years ago, within a distant clime 104 Love hath the wings of the butterfly 117 Love is the light of the world, my dear 231 Love me. I care not what the circling years 89 Love used to carry a bow, you know 258 Lucy done gone back on me 136 Mammy's in de kitchen, an' de do' is shet 241 Mastah drink his ol' Made'a 213 Men may sing of their Havanas, elevating to the stars 129 Mother's gone a-visitin' to spend a month er two 79 My cot was down by a cypress grove 8 My heart to thy heart 13 My lady love lives far away 288 My muvver's ist the nicest one 247 My neighbor lives on the hill 192 My soul, lost in the music's mist 76 Night, dim night, and it rains, my love, it rains 227 Night is for sorrow and dawn is for joy 90 Not o'er thy dust let there be spent 18 No matter what you call it 287 Not they who soar, but they who plod 18 Not to the midnight of the gloomy past 214 O li'l' lamb out in de col' 133 O Lord, the hard-won miles II O Mother Race! to thee I bring 15 October is the treasurer of the year 63 Oh, de clouds is mighty heavy 169 Oh, de grubbin'-hoe's a-rustin' in de co'nah 67 Oh, de weathah it is balmy an' de breeze is sighin' low 207 [xxvi] INDEX OP FIRST LINES PAGE Oh, dere's lots o' keer an' trouble 20 Oh for the breath of the briny deep 92 Oh, I am hurt to death, my Love 72 Oh, I des received a letter f'om de sweetest little gal 266 Oh, I haven't got long to live, for we all 48 Oh, summer has clothed the earth 91 Oh the breeze is blowin' balmy 262 Oh, the day has set me dreaming 107 Oh, the little bird is rocking in the cradle of the wind 245 Oh, the poets may sing of their Lady Irenes 26 Oh to have you in May 166 Oh, what shall I do? I am wholly upset 131 Oh, who is the Lord of the land of life 268 Oh, who would be sad tho' the sky be a-graying 236 Oh, wind of the spring-time, oh, free wind of May 221 On a summer's day as I sat by a stream 248 On the wide veranda white 59 Once Love grew bold and arrogant of air 102 One night in my room, still and beamless 109 Our good knight, Ted, girds his broadsword on 108 Out in de night a sad bird moans 194 Out in the sky the great dark clouds are massing 64 Out of my heart, one day, I wrote a song 117 Out of my heart, one treach'rous winter's day 102 Out of the sunshine and out of the heat 167 Outside the rain upon the street 253 Over the hills and the valleys of dreaming 90 Phyllis, ah, Phyllis, my life is a gray day 74 Place this bunch of mignonette 66 Poor withered rose, she gave it me 286 Pray, what can dreams avail 104 [xxvii] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE Pray why are you so bare, so bare 219 Prometheus stole from Heaven the sacred fire 117 Ring out, ye bells! 278 Round the wide earth, from the red field your valour has won .... 112 Say a mass for my soul's repose, my brother 211 Search thou my heart 116 See dis pictyah in my han' 144 Seems lak folks is mighty curus 139 Seen my lady home las' night 49 Seen you down at chu'ch las' night 60 Shadder in de valley 226 She gave a rose 103 She sang, and I listened the whole song thro' 121 She told the story, and the whole world wept 119 She told her beads with downcast eyes 106 She wrapped her soul in a lace of lies 240 Silence, and whirling worlds afar 263 Silently without my window 54 Since I left the city's heat 263 Slow de night's a-fallin' 186 Slow moves the pageant of a climbing race 211 So we, who've supped the selfsame cup 40 Some folks t'inks hit's right an' p'opah 201 Standin' at de winder 253 Step me now a bridal measure 248 Step wid de banjo an' glide wid de fiddle, 269 Storm and strife and stress 227 Summah night an' sighin' breeze 132 Summah's nice, wif sun a-shinin' 132 Summer is de lovin' time 262 [xxviii] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE Sunshine on de medders 168 Sweetest of the flowers a-blooming 237 Swing yo' lady roun' an' roun' 200 Tek a cool night, good an' cleah 150 Tell your love where the roses blow 238 Temples he built, and palaces of air 100 The air is dark, the sky is gray 65 The change has come, and Helen sleeps 58 The cloud looked in at the window *]2 The draft of love was cool and sweet 252 The gray dawn on the mountain top 248 The gray of the sea, and the gray of the sky 93 The lake's dark breast 8 The lark is silent in his nest 61 The little bird sits in the nest and sings 67 The Midnight wooed the Morning-Star 99 The mist has left the greening plain 252 The moon begins her stately ride 276 The moon has left the sky, love 46 The night is dewy as a maiden's mouth 64 The November sun invites me 282 The poor man went to the rich man's doors 106 The rain streams down like harpstrings from the sky 270 The river sleeps beneath the sky 9 The sand-man he's a jolly old fellow 235 The sky of brightest gray seems dark 59 The smell of the sea in my nostrils 91 The snow lies deep upon the ground 105 The sun has slipped his tether 100 The sun hath shed its kindly light 281 The sun is low 285 [xxix] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE The trees bend down along the stream 249 The wind is out in its rage to-night 244 The wind told the little leaves to hurry 25S The word is writ that he who runs may read 209 The world is a snob, and the man who wins 118 The young queen Nature, ever sweet and fair 52 Ther' ain't no use in all this strife ,49 There are no beaten paths to Glory's height 21 There is a heaven, for ever, day by day 106 There's a fabulous story 246 There's a memory keeps a-runnin' 10 These are the days of elfs and fays 251 They please me not — these solemn songs 125 This is the debt I pay 213 This is to-day, a golden summer's day 223 This poem must be done to-day 122 Thou arrant robber, Death! 284 " Thou art a fool," said my head to my heart 5 Thou art my lute, by thee I sing 109 Thou art the soul of a summer's day 271 Though the winds be dank 71 Thy tones are silver melted into sound 116 Tim Murphy's gon' walkin' wid Maggie O'Neill 261 'Tis an old deserted homestead 283 'Tis better to set here beside the sea 186 'Tis fine to play 235 To me, like hauntings of a vagrant breath 97 Treat me nice, Miss Mandy Jane 167 'Twas the apple that in Eden 251 'Twas three an' thirty year ago 27 'Twixt a smile and a tear 241 Two little boots all rough an' wo' s. 163 [XXX] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE Uncle John, he makes me tired 73 Underneath the autumn sky 256 Villain shows his indiscretion 42 Want to trade me, do you, mistah? Oh, well, now, I reckon not .. 189 We is gathahed hyeah, my brothahs 13 We wear the mask that grins and lies 71 W'en daih's chillun in de house 199 W'en de clouds is hangin' heavy in de sky 176 W'en de colo'ed ban' comes ma'chin' down de street 178 W'en de evenin' shadders 185 W'en de snow's a-fallin' 188 W'en I git up in de mo'nin' an' de clouds is big an' black 172 W'en us fellers stomp around, makin' lots o' noise 264 W'en you full o' worry 250 What are the things that make life bright? 238 What dreams we have and how they fly 166 What if the wind do howl without 75 What says the wind to the waving trees? 68 What's the use o' folks a-frownin' , 249 When all is done, and my last word is said 113 When August days are hot an' dry 130 When de fiddle gits to singin' out a oP Vahginny reel 138 When first of wise old Johnson taught 129 When I come in f'm de co'n-fiel' aftah wo'kin' ha'd all day 155 When I was young I longed for Love 98 When labor is light and the morning is fair 70 When Phyllis sighs and from her eyes 175 When storms arise 66 When summer time has come, and all 280 When the bees are humming in the honeysuckle vine 215 [xxxi] INDEX OF FIRST LINES PAGE When the corn's all cut and the bright stalks shine 16 When to sweet music my lady is dancing 175 When winter covering all the ground 275 When you and I were young, the days 24 Who dat knockin' at de do'? 184 Who say my hea't ain't true to you? 133 Whose little lady is you, chile 198 Whut dat you whisperin' keepin' f'om me? 136 Whut time'd dat clock strike ? 254 Whut you say, dah? huh, uh! chile 153 Why fades a dream? 77 Why was it that the thunder voice of Fate 221 Will I have some mo' dat pie ? 203 Win' a-blowin' gentle so de san' lay low 191 Wintah, summah, snow er shine 178 Wintah time hit comin' 241 With sombre mien, the evening gray 123 With what thou gavest me, O Master 276 Within a London garret high 96 Woman's sho' a cur'ous critter, an' dey ain't no doubtin' dat 170 Yes, my ha't's ez ha'd ez stone 62 Yesterday I held your hand 257 You ask why I am sad to-day 220 You bid me hold my peace 286 You kin talk about yer anthems 53 You'll be wonderin' whut's de reason 131 Your presence like a benison to me 266 Your spoken words are roses fine and sweet 270 [xxxii] LYRICS OF LOWLY LIFE ERE SLEEP COMES DOWN TO SOOTHE THE WEARY EYES Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes, Which all the day with cease¬ less care have sought The magic gold which from the seeker flies; Ere dreams put on the gown and cap of thought, And make the waking world a world of lies,— Of lies most palpable, uncouth, forlorn, That say life's full of aches and tears and sighs,— Oh, how with more than dreams the soul is torn, Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes. Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes, How all the griefs and heart¬ aches we have known Come up like pois'nous vapors that arise From some base witch's caldron, when the crone, To work some potent spell, her magic plies. The past which held its share of bitter pain, t Whose ghost we prayed that Time might exorcise, Comes up, is lived and suffered o'er again, Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes. Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes, What phantoms fill the dimly lighted room ; What ghostly shades in awe-creat¬ ing guise Are bodied forth within the teeming gloom. What echoes faint of sad and soul- sick cries, And pangs of vague inexplicable pain That pay the spirit's ceaseless en¬ terprise, Come thronging through the chambers of the brain, Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes. Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes, Where ranges forth the spirit far and free? Through what strange realms and unfamiliar skies Tends her far course to lands of mystery ? 3 ] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF To lands unspeakable — beyond surmise, Where shapes unknowable to being spring, Till, faint of wing, the Fancy fails and dies Much wearied with the spirit's journeying, Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes. Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes, How questioneth the soul that other soul,— The inner sense which neither cheats nor lies, But self exposes unto self, a scroll Full writ with all life's acts un¬ wise or wise, In characters indelible and known; So, trembling with the shock of sad surprise, The soul doth view its awful self alone, Ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes. When sleep comes down to seal the weary eyes, The last dear sleep whose soft embrace is balm, And whom sad sorrow teaches us to prize For kissing all our passions into calm, Ah, then, no more we heed the sad world's cries, Or seek to probe th' eternal mys- tery, Or fret our souls at long-withheld replies, At glooms through which our visions cannot see, When sleep comes down to seal the weary eyes. THE POET AND HIS SONG A song is but a little thing, And yet what joy it is to sing! In hours of toil it gives me zest, And when at eve I long for rest; When cows come home along the bars, And in the fold I hear the bell, As Night, the shepherd, herds his stars, I sing my song, and all is well. There are no ears to hear my lays, No lips to lift a word of praise; But still, with faith unfaltering, I live and laugh and love and sing. What matters yon unheeding throng? They cannot feel my spirit's spell, Since life is sweet and love is long, I sing my song, and all is well. My days are never days of ease; I till my ground and prune my trees, J PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR When, ripened gold is all the plain, I put my sickle to the grain. I labor hard, and toil and sweat, While others dream within the dell; But even while my brow is wet, I sing my song, and all is well. Sometimes the sun, unkindly hot, My garden makes a desert spot; Sometimes a blight upon the tree Takes all my fruit away from me; And then with throes of bitter pain Rebellious passions rise and swell; But—'life is more than fruit or grain, And so I sing, and all is well. RETORT "Thou art a fool," said my head to my heart, " Indeed, the greatest of fools thou art, To be led astray by the trick of a tress, By a smiling face or a ribbon smart;" And my heart was in sore dis¬ tress. Then Phyllis came by, and her face was fair, The light gleamed soft on her raven hair; And her lips were blooming a rosy red. [ Then my heart spoke out with a right bold air: " Thou art worse than a fool, O head! " ACCOUNTABILITY Folks ain't got no right to cen- suah othah folks about dey habits; Him dat giv' de squir'ls de bush- tails made de bobtails fu' de rabbits. Him dat built de gread big moun¬ tains hollered out de little valleys, Him dat made de streets an' drive¬ ways wasn't shamed to make de alleys. We is all constructed diff'ent, d'ain't no two of us de same; We cain't he'p ouah likes an' dis¬ likes, ef we'se bad we ain't to blame. Ef we 'se good, we need n't show off, case you bet it ain't ouah doin' We gits into su'ttain channels dat we jes' cain't he'p pu'suin'. But we all fits into places dat no othah ones could fill, An' we does the things we has to, big er little, good er ill. John cain't tek de place o' Henry, Su an' Sally ain't alike; Bass ain't nuthin' like a suckah, chub ain't nuthin' like a pike. ] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF When you come to think about it, how it's all planned out it's splendid. Nuthin's done er evah happens, 'dout hit's somefin' dat's in¬ tended ; Don't keer whut you does, you has He raised her up and whispered, " Hope and Trust." For her his voice, a fearless clarion, rung That broke in warning on the ears of men; to, an' hit sholy beats de For her the strong bow of his dickens,— Viney, go put on de kittle, I got one o' mastah's chickens. FREDERICK DOUGLASS A hush is over all the teeming lists, And there is pause, a breath- space in the strife; A spirit brave has passed beyond the mists And vapors that obscure the sun of life. ^ And Ethiopia, with bosom torn, Laments the passing of her no¬ blest born. power he strung, And sent his arrows to the very den Where grim Oppression held his bloody place And gloated o'er the mis'ries of a race. And he was no soft-tongued apolo¬ gist; He spoke straightforward, fear¬ lessly uncowed; The sunlight of his truth dispelled the mist, And set in bold relief each dark hued cloud; To sin and crime he gave their proper hue, And hurled at evil what was evil's due. She weeps for him a mother's burning tears — She loved him with a mother's Through good and ill report he deepest love. He was her champion thro' direful years, cleaved his way Right onward, with his face set toward the heights, And held her weal all other ends Nor feared to face the foeman's above. When Bondage held her bleeding in the dust, dread array,— The lash of scorn, the sting of petty spites. [ 6 ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR He dared the lightning in the lightning's track, And answered thunder with his thunder back. When men maligned him, and their torrent wrath In furious imprecations o'er him broke, He kept his counsel as he kept his path; 'T was for his race, not for him¬ self he spoke. He knew the import of his Mas¬ ter's call, And felt himself too mighty to be small. No miser in the good he held was he,— His kindness followed his hori¬ zon's rim. His heart, his talents, and his hands were free To all who truly needed aughfi of him. iWhere poverty and ignorance were rife, He gave his bounty as he gave his life. The place and cause that first aroused his might Still proved its power until his latest day. In Freedom's lists and for the aid of Right Still in the foremost rank he waged the fray; Wrong lived; his occupation was not gone. He died in action with his armor on! We weep for him, but we have touched his hand, And felt the magic of his pres¬ ence nigh, The current that he sent through¬ out the land, The kindling spirit of his battle- cry. O'er all that holds us we shall tri¬ umph yet, And place our banner where his hopes were set! ^ Oh, Douglass, thou hast passed beyond the shore, But still thy voice is ringing o'er the gale! Thou 'st taught thy race how high her hopes may soar, And bade her seek the heights, nor faint, nor fail. She will not fail, she heeds thy stirring cry, She knows thy guardian spirit will be nigh, And, rising from beneath the • chast'ning rod, She stretches out her bleeding hands to God! 15 7 ] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF LIFE A crust of bread and a corner to sleep in, A minute to smile and an hour to weep in, A pint of joy to a peck of trouble, And never a laugh but the moans come double; And that is life! A crust and a corner that love makes precious, With a smile to warm and the tears to refresh us; And joy seems sweeter when cares come after, And a moan is the finest of foils for laughter; And that is life! THE LESSON My cot was down by a cypress grove, And I sat by my window the whole night long, And heard well up from the deep dark wood A mocking-bird's passionate song. And I thought of myself so sad and lone, And my life's cold winter that knew no spring; Of my mind so weary and sick and wild, Of my heart too sad to sing. But e'en as I listened the mock- bird's song, A thought stole into my sad¬ dened heart, And I said, " I can cheer some other soul By a carol's simple art." For oft from the darkness of hearts and lives Come songs that brim with joy and light, As out of the gloom of the cypress grove The mocking-bird sings at night. So I sang a lay for a brother's ear In a strain to soothe his bleed¬ ing heart, And he smiled at the sound of my voice and lyre, Though mine was a feeble art. But at his smile I smiled in turn, And into my soul there came a ray: In trying to soothe another's woes Mine own had passed away. THE RISING OF THE STORM The lake's dark breast Is all unrest, It heaves with a sob and a sigh. Like a tremulous bird, From its slumber stirred, The moon is a-tilt in the sky. ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR From the silent deep The waters sweep, But faint on the cold white stones, - And the wavelets fly With a plaintive cry O'er the old earth's bare, bleak bones. And the spray upsprings On its ghost-white wings, And tosses a kiss at the stars; While a water-sprite, In sea-pearls dight, Hums a sea-hymn's solemn bars. Far out in the night, On the wavering sight I see a dark hull loom; And its light on high, Like a Cyclops' eye, Shines out through the mist and gloom. Now the winds well up From the earth's deep cup, And fall on the sea and shore, And against the pier The waters rear And break with a sullen roar. Up comes the gale, And the mist-wrought veil Gives way to the lightning's glare, And the cloud-drifts fall, A sombre pall, O'er water, earth, and air. [ The storm-king flies, His whip he plies, And bellows down the wind. The lightning rash With blinding flash Comes pricking on behind. Rise, waters, rise, And taunt the skies With your swift-flitting formw Sweep, wild winds, sweep, And tear the deep To atoms in the storm. And the waters leapt, And the wild winds swept, And blew out the moon in the sky, And I laughed with glee, It was joy to me As the storm went raging by! SUNSET The river sleeps beneath the sky, And clasps the shadows to its breast; The crescent moon shines dim on high; And in the lately radiant west The gold is fading into gray. Now stills the lark his festive lay, And mourns with me the dying day. While in the south the first faint star Lifts to the night its silver face, 9 ] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF And twinkles to the moon afar Across the heaven's graying space, Low murmurs reach me from the town, As Day puts on her sombre crown, And shakes her mantle darkly down. THE OLD APPLE-TREE There's a memory keeps a-run- nin' Through my weary head to¬ night, An' I see a picture dancin' In the fire-flames' ruddy light; 'Tis the picture of an orchard Wrapped in autumn's purple haze, With the tender light about it That I loved in other days. An' a-standin' in a corner Once again I seem to see The verdant leaves an' branches Of an old apple-tree. You perhaps would call it ugly, An' I don't know but it's so, When you look the tree all over Unadorned by memory's glow; For its boughs are gnarled an' crooked, An' its leaves are gettin' thin, An' the apples of its bearin' Wouldn't fill so large a bin [I As they used to. But I tell you, When it comes to pleasin' me, It's the dearest in the orchard,— Is that old apple-tree. I would hide within its shelter, Settlin' in some cosy nook, Where no calls nor threats could stir me From the pages o' my book. Oh, that quiet, sweet seclusion In its fulness passeth words! It was deeper than the deepest That, my sanctum now affords. Why, the jaybirds an' the robins, They was hand in glove with me, As they winked at me an' warbled In that old apple-tree. It was on its sturdy branches That in summers long ago I would tie my swing an' dangle In contentment to an' fro, Idly dreamin' childish fancies, Buildin' castles in the air, Makin' o' myself a hero Of romances rich an' rare. I kin shet my eyes an' see it Jest as plain as plain kin be, That same old swing a-danglin' To the old apple-tree. • There's a rustic seat beneath it That I never kin forget. It's the place where me an' Hallie — Little sweetheart—used to set, '] pAul Laurence dunbar Vhen we 'd wander to the orchard Where healing waters flow o's no listenin' ones could hear Is I whispered sugared nonsense Into her little willin' ear. slow my gray old wife is Hallie, An' I'm grayer still than she, Jut I '11 not forget our courtin' 'Neath the old apple-tree. ^ife for us ain't all been summer, But I guess we've had our share )f its flittin' joys an' pleasures, An' a sprinklin' of its care. Dft the skies have smiled upon us; Then again we've seen 'em frown, Though our load was ne'er so heavy That we longed to lay it down. But when death does come a-callin', This my last request shall be,— That they '11 bury me an' Hallie 'Neath the old apple tree. A PRAYER D Lord, the hard-won miles Have worn my stumbling feet: Dh, soothe me with thy smiles, And make my life complete. The thorns were thick and keen Where'er I trembling trod; The way was long between My wounded feet and God. [i Do thou my footsteps lead. My heart is aching so; • Thy gracious balm I need. PASSION AND LOVE A maiden wept and, as a com¬ forter, Came one who cried, " I love thee," and he seized Her in his arms and kissed her with hot breath, That dried the tears upon her flaming cheeks. While evermore his boldly blaz¬ ing eye Burned into hers; but she uncom- forted Shrank from his arms and only wept the more. Then one came and gazed mutely in her face With wide and wistful eyes; but still aloof He held himself; as with a rev¬ erent fear, As one who knows some sacred presence nigh. And as she wept he mingled tear with tear, That cheered her soul like dew a dusty flower,— Until she smiled, approached, and touched his hand! I] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF THE SEEDLING As a quiet little seedling Lay within its darksome bed, To itself it fell a-talking, And this is what it said: "I am not so very robust, But I '11 do the best I can And the seedling from that moment Its work of life began. So it pushed a little leaflet Up into the light of day, To examine the surroundings And show the rest the way. The leaflet liked the prospect, So it called its brother, Stem; Then two other leaflets heard it, And quickly followed them. To be sure, the haste and hurry Made the seedling sweat and pant; But almost before it knew it It found itself a plant. The sunshine poured upon it, And the clouds they gave a shower; And the little plant kept growing Till it found itself a flower. Little folks, be like the seedling, Always do the best you can; Every child must share life's labor Just as well as every man. [i And the sun and showers will help you ThrougK the lonesome, strug¬ gling hours, Till you raise to light and beauty Virtue's fair, unfading flowers. PROMISE I grew a rose within a garden fair, And, tending it with more than loving care, I thought how, with the glory of its bloom, I should the darkness of my life illume; And, watching, ever smiled to see the lusty bud Drink freely in the summer sun to tinct its blood. My rose began to open, and its hue Was sweet to me as to it sun and dew; I watched it taking on its ruddy flame Until the day of perfect blooming came, Then hasted I with smiles to find it blushing red— Too late! Some thoughtless child had plucked my rose and fled! 2] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Fulfilment. I grew a rose once more to please mine eyes. All things to aid it — dew, sun, wind, fair skies — Were kindly; and to shield it from despoil, I fenced it safely in with grateful toil. No other hand than mine shall pluck this flower, said I, And I was jealous of the bee that hovered nigh. It grew for days; I stood hour after hour To watch the slow unfolding of the flower, And then I did not leave its side at all, Lest some mischance my flower should befall. At last, oh joy! the central petals burst apart. It blossomed—but, alas I a worm was at its heart! SONG My heart to thy heart, My hand to thine; My lip to thy lips, Kisses are wine Brewed for the lover in sunshine and shade; Let me drink deep, then, my African maid, [ Lily to lily, Rose unto rose; My love to thy love Tenderly grows. Rend not the oak and the ivy in twain, Nor the swart maid from her swarthier swain. AN ANTE-BELLUM SER¬ MON We is gathahed hyeah, my brothahs, In dis howlin' wildaness, Fu' to speak some words of com- fo't To each othah in distress. An' we chooses fu' ouah subjic' Dis — we '11 'splain it by an' by; " An' de Lawd said, ' Moses, Moses,' An' de man said, ' Hyeah am I.' " Now ole Pher'oh, down in Egypt, Was de wuss man evah bo'n, An' he had de Hebrew chillun Down dah wukin' in his co'n; 'T well de Lawd got tiahed o' his foolin', An' sez he: "I'll let him know — Look hyeah, Moses, go tell Pher'oh Fu' to let dera chillun go." i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF "An' ef he refuse to do it, I will make him rue de houah, Fu' I '11 empty down on Egypt All de vials of my powah." Yes, he did — an' Pher'oh's ahmy Wasn't wuth a ha'f a dime; Fu' de Lawd will he'p his chillun, You kin trust him evah time. An' yo' enemies may 'sail you In de back an' in de front; But de Lawd is all aroun' you, Fu' to ba' de battle's brunt. Dey kin fo'ge yo' chains an' shackles F'om de mountains to de sea; But de Lawd will sen' some Moses Fu' to set his chillun free. An' de lan' shall hyeah his thun- dah, Lak a bias' f'om Gab'el's ho'n, Fu' de Lawd of hosts is mighty When he girds his ahmor on. But fu' feah some one mistakes me, I will pause right hyeah to say, Dat I'm still a-preachin' ancient, I ain't talkin' 'bout to-day. But I tell you, fellah christuns, Things '11 happen mighty strange ; Now, de Lawd done dis fu' Isrul, An' his ways don't nevah change, [' An' de love he showed to Isrul Wasn't all on Isrul spent; Now don't run an' tell yo' mas- tahs Dat I's preachin' discontent. 'Cause I isn't; I'se a-judgin' Bible people by deir ac's; I 'se a-givin' you de Scriptuah, I 'se a-handin' you de fac's. Cose ole Pher'oh b'lieved in slav'ry, But de Lawd he let him see, Dat de people he put bref in,— Evah mothah's son was free. An' dahs othahs thinks lak Pher'oh, But dey calls de Scriptuah liar, Fu' de Bible says " a servant Is a-worthy of his hire." An' you cain't git roun' nor thoo dat, An' you cain't git ovah it, Fu' whatevah place you git in, Dis hyeah Bible too '11 fit. So you see de Lawd's intention, Evah sence de worl' began, Was dat His almighty freedom Should belong to evah man, But I think it would be bettah, Ef I'd pause agin to say, Dat I'm talkin' 'bout ouah free¬ dom In a Bibleistic way. But de Moses is a-comin', An' he's comin', suah and fas' ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR We kin hyeah his feet a-trompin', We kin hyeah his trumpit bias'. But I want to wa'n you people, Don't you git too brigity; An' don't you git to braggin' 'Bout dese things, you wait an' see. But when Moses wif his powah Comes an' sets us chillun free, We will praise de gracious Mastah Dat has gin us liberty; An' we '11 shout ouah halleluyahs, On dat mighty reck'nin' day, When we 'se reco'nised ez citiz'— Huh uh! Chillun, let us pray! ODE TO ETHIOPIA 0 Mother Race ! to thee I bring This pledge of faith unwavering, This tribute to thy glory. 1 know the pangs which thou didst feel, When Slavery crushed thee with its heel, With thy dear blood all gory. Sad days were those — ah, sad indeed! But through the land the fruitful seed Of better times was growing. The plant of freedom upward sprung, [« And spread its leaves so fresh and young — Its blossoms now are blowing. On every hand in this fair land, Proud Ethiope's swarthy children stand Beside their fairer neighbor; The forests flee before their stroke, Their hammers ring, their forges smoke,— They stir in honest labour. They tread the fields where honour calls; Their voices sound through sen¬ ate halls In majesty and power. To right they cling; the hymns they sing Up to the skies in beauty ring, And bolder grow each hour. Be proud, my Race, in mind and soul; Thy name is writ on Glory's scroll In characters of fire. High 'mid the clouds of Fame's bright sky Thy banner's blazoned folds now fly, And truth shall lift them higher. Thou hast the right to noble' pride, Whose spotless robes were purified By blood's severe baptism. Upon thy brow the cross was laid, 5] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF And labour's painful sweat-beads made A consecrating chrism. No other race, or white or black, When bound as thou wert, to the rack, So seldom stooped to grieving; No other race, when free again, Forgot the past and proved them men So noble in forgiving. Go on and up! Our souls and eyes Shall follow thy continuous rise; Our ears shall list thy story From bards who from thy root shall spring, And proudly tune their lyres to sing Of Ethiopia's glory. THE CORN-STALK FIDDLE When the corn's all cut and the bright stalks shine Like the burnished spears of a field of gold; When the field-mice rich on the nubbins dine, And the frost comes white and the wind blows cold; Then it's heigho! fellows and h*- diddle-diddle, For the time is ripe for the corn¬ stalk fidd! and rose, When you and I were young, And full of joy from dawn till my cjQse When you and I were young. From morning's mist till evening's haze. When you and I were young, the And when the robin sung his cool song And fresh wind fanned our The verdant woodland ways fevered brows along, When tumbling o'er the scented We whistled louder than he mows, sung. Or stripping by the dimpling And school was joy, and work was pool, sport Sedge-fringed about its shim- For which the hours were all too mering face, short, Save where we'd worn an en- When you and I were young, t'ring place. my boy, How with our shouts the When you and I were young. calm banks rung! [n] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR How flashed the spray as we plunged in,— Pure gems that never caused a sin! The fleeting years had fled un- missed; And from our hearts this cry was wrung — When you and I were young, To fill with fond regret and tears my boy, When you and I were young. The days of our remaining years — " When you and I were young, my boy, When you and I were young." When you and I were young, we heard All sounds of Nature with de¬ light,— The whirr of wing in sudden Deep in my heart that aches with UNEXPRESSED flight, The chirping of the baby-bird. The columbine's red bells were rung; The locust's vested chorus the repression, And strives with plenitude of bitter pain, There lives a thought that clamors for expression, And spends its undelivered force in vain. sung; While every wind his zithern strung To high and holy-sounding keys, And played sonatas in the trees — When you and I were young, my boy, . . . . ttti , T 1 he price or pain 1 pay for it has When you and I were young. y yy J bought it, I care not who lays claim to it When you and I were young, we ,t jg mjnej knew To shout and laugh, to work And yet not mine until it be deliv- What boots it that some other may have thought it? The right of thoughts' expres¬ sion is divine; and play, And night was partner to the day ered; The manner of its birth shall prove the test. In all our joys. So swift time Alas, alas, my rock of pride ii is flew On silent wings that, ere we wist, shivered —■ I beat my brow — the thought still unexpressed. [ 251 THE COMPLETE POEMS OF SONG OF SUMMER Dis is gospel weathah sho'— Hills is sawt o' hazy. Meddahs level ez a flo' Callin' to de lazy. Sky all white wif streaks o' blue, Sunshine softly gleamin', D'ain't no wuk hit's right to do, Nothin' 's right but dreamin'. Dreamin' by de rivah side Wif de watahs glist'nin', Feelin' good an' satisfied Ez you lay a-list'nin' To the little nakid boys Splashin' in de watah, Hollerin' fu' to spress deir joys Jes' lak youngsters ought to. Squir'l a-tippin' on his toes, So's to hide an' view you; Whole flocks o' camp-meetin' crows Shoutin' hallelujah. Peckahwood erpon de tree Tappin' lak a hammah; Jaybird chattin' wif a bee, Tryin' to teach him grammah. Breeze is blowin' wif perfume, Jes' enough to tease you; Hollyhocks is all in bloom, Smellin' fu' to please you. Go 'way, folks, an' let me 'lone, Times is gettin' dearah— Summah's settin' on de th'one, An' I'm a-layin' neah huh! E: SPRING SONG A blue-bell springs upon the ledge, A lark sits singing in the hedge; Sweet perfumes scent the balmy air, And life is brimming everywhere. What lark and breeze and blue¬ bird sing, Is Spring, Spring, Spring! No more the air is sharp and cold; The planter wends across the wold, And, glad, beneath the shining sky We wander forth, my love and I. And ever in our hearts doth ring This song of Spring, Spring! For life is life and love is love, 'Twixt maid and man or dove and . dove. Life may be short, life may be long, But love will come, and to its song Shall this refrain for ever cling Of Spring, Spring, Spring! TO LOUISE Oh, the poets may sing of their Lady Irenes, And may rave in their rhymes about wonderful queens; But I throw my poetical wings to the breeze, >1 PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR And soar in a song to my Lady Louise. A sweet little maid, who is dearer, I ween, Than any fair duchess, or even a queen. When speaking of her I can't plod in my prose, For she's the wee lassie who gave me a rose. Since poets, from seeing a lady's lip curled, Have written fair verse that has sweetened the world; Why, then, should not I give the space of an hour To making a song in return for a flower ? I have found in my life — it has not been so long — There are too few of flowers — too little of song. So out of that blossom, this lay of mine grows, For the dear little lady who gave me the rose. I thank God for innocence, dearer than Art, That lights on a by-way which leads to the heart, And led by an impulse no less than divine, Walks into the temple and sits at the shrine. I would rather pluck daisies that grow in the wild, Or take one simple rose from the hand of a child, Then to breathe the rich fragrance of flowers that bide In the gardens of luxury, passion, and pride. I know not, my wee one, how came you to know Which way to my heart was the right way to go; Unless in your purity, soul-clean and clear, God whispers his messages into your ear. You have now had my song, let me end with a prayer That your life may be always sweet, happy, and fair; That your joys may be many, and absent your woes, O dear little lady who gave me the rose! THE RIVALS 'Twas three an' thirty year ago, When I was ruther young, you know, I had my last an' only fight About a gal one summer night. 'Twas me an' Zekel Johnson; Zeke 'N' me'd be'n spattin' 'bout a week, Each of us tryin' his best to show That he was Liza Jones's beau. [27] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF We could n't neither prove the thing, Fur she was fur too sharp to fling One over fur the other one An' by so doin' stop the fun That we chaps did n't have the sense To see she got at our expense, But that's the way a feller does, Fur boys is fools an' alius was. An' when they's females in the game I reckon men's about the same. Well, Zeke an' me went on that way An' fussed an' quarrelled day by day; While Liza, mindin' not the fuss, Jest kep' a-goin' with both of us, Tell we pore chaps, that's Zeke an' me, Was jest plum mad with jeal¬ ousy. Well, fur a time we kep' our places, An' only showed by frownin' faces An' looks 'at well our meanin' boded How full o' fight we both was loaded. At last it come, the thing broke out, An' this is how it come about. One night ('twas fair, you'll all agree) [' I got Eliza's company, An' leavin' Zekel in the lurch, Went trottin' off with her to church. An' jest as we had took our seat (Eliza lookin' fair an' sweet), Why, I jest could n't help but grin When Zekel come a-bouncin' in As furious as the law allows. He'd jest be'n up to Liza's house, To find her gone, then come to church To have this end put to his search. I guess I laffed that meetin' through, An' not a mortal word I knew Of what the preacher preached er read Er what the choir sung er said. Fur every time I'd turn my head I could n't skeercely help but see 'At Zekel had his eye on me. An' he 'ud sort o' turn an' twist An' grind his teeth an' shake his fist. I laughed, fur la! the hull church seen us, An' knowed that suthin' was be¬ tween us. Well, meetin' out, we started hum, I sorter feelin' what would come. We'd jest got out, when up stepped Zeke, An' said, " Scuse me, I'd like to speak ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR To you a minute." " Cert," said I — A-nudgin' Liza on the sly An' laughin' in my sleeve with glee, I asked her, please, to pardon me. We walked away a step er two, Jest to git out o' Liza's view, An' then Zeke said, " I want to know Ef you think you 're Eliza's beau, An' 'at I'm goin' to let her go Hum with sich a chap as you ? " An' I said bold, " You bet I do." Then Zekel, sneerin', said 'at he Did n't want to hender me. But then he 'lowed the gal was his An' 'at he guessed he knowed his biz, An' wasn't feared o' all my kin With all my friends an' chums throwed in. Some other things he mentioned there That no born man could no ways bear Er think o' ca'mly tryin' to stan' Ef Zeke had be'n the bigges' man In town, an' not the leanest runt 'At time an' labor ever stunt. An' so I let my fist go " bim," I thought I'd mos' nigh finished him. But Zekel did n't take it so. He jest ducked down an' dodged my blow [ An' then come back at me so hard, I guess I must 'a' hurt the yard, Er spilet the grass plot where I fell, An' sakes alive it hurt me; well, It would n't be'n so bad, you see, But he jest kep' a-hittin' me. An' I hit back an' kicked an' pawed, But 't seemed 't was mostly air I clawed, While Zekel used his science well A-makin' every motion tell. He punched an' hit, why, good¬ ness lands, Seemed like he had a dozen hands. Well, afterwhile they stopped the fuss, An' some one kindly parted us. All beat an' cuffed an' clawed an' scratched, An' needin' both our faces patched, Each started hum a different way; An' what o' Liza, do you say, Why, Liza — little humbug — dern her, Why, she'd gone home with Hiram Turner. THE LOVER AND THE MOON A lover whom duty called over the wave, With himself communed: " Will my love be true )] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF If left to herself? Had I bet¬ ter not sue Some friend to watch over her, good and grave? But my friend might fail in my need," he said, " And I return to find love dead. Since friendships fade like the flow'rs of June, I will leave her in charge of the stable moon." Then he said to the moon: " O dear old moon, Who for years and years from thy thrown above Hast nurtured and guarded young lovers and love, My heart has but come to its waiting June, And the promise time of the budding vine; Oh, guard thee well this love of mine." And he harked him then while all was still, And the pale moon answered and said, " I will." And he sailed in his ship o'er many seas, And he wandered wide o'er strange far strands: In isles of the south and in Ori¬ ent lands, Where pestilence lurks in the breath of the breeze. But his star was high, so he braved the main, And sailed him blithely home again; And with joy he bended his footsteps soon To learn of his love from the matron moon. She sat as of yore, in her olden place, Serene as death, in her silver chair. A white rose gleamed in her whiter hair, And the tint of a blush was on her face. At sight of the youth she sadly bowed And hid her face 'neath a gra¬ cious cloud. She faltered faint on the night's dim marge, But " How," spoke the youth, " have you kept your charge ? " The moon was sad at a trust ill- kept; The blush went out in her blanching cheek, And her voice was timid and low and weak, As she made her plea and sighed and wept. " Oh, another prayed and an¬ other plead, [30] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR And I could n't resist," she answering said; " But love still grows in the hearts of men: Go forth, dear youth, and love again." But he turned him away from her proffered grace. "Thou art false, O moon, as the hearts of men, I will not, will not love again." And he turned sheer 'round with a soul-sick face To the sea, and cried: "Sea, curse the moon, Who makes her vows and for¬ gets so soon." And the awful sea with anger stirred, And his breast heaved hard as he lay and heard. To tear the false moon from the sky. CONSCIENCE AND RE¬ MORSE " Good-bye," I said to my con¬ science — " Good-bye for aye and aye," And I put her hands off harshly, And turned my face away; And conscience smitten sorely Returned not from that day. But a time came when my spirit Grew weary of its pace; And I cried: " Come back, my conscience; I long to see thy face." But conscience cried: "I cannot; Remorse sits in my place." And ever the moon wept down in rain, And ever her sighs rose high in wind ; But the earth and sea were deaf and blind, And she wept and sighed her griefs in vain. And ever at night, when the storm is fierce, The cries of a wraith through the thunder pierce; And the waves strain their aw¬ ful hands on high IONE I Ah, yes, 't is sweet still to remem¬ ber, Though 'twere less painful to forget; For while my heart glows like an ember, Mine eyes with sorrow's drops are wet, And, oh, my heart is aching yet. It is a law of mortal pain THE COMPLETE POEMS OF That old wounds, long ac- Love is no random road wayfarer counted well, Beneath the memory's potent spell, Will wake to life and bleed again. So't is with me; it might be bet¬ ter If I should turn no look be¬ hind,— If I could curb my heart, and fet¬ ter From reminiscent gaze my mind, Or let my soul go blind — go blind! But would I do it if I could? Nay! ease at such a price were spurned; For, since my love was once re¬ turned, All that I suffer seemeth good. I know, I know it is the fashion, Who where he may must sip his glass. Love is the King, the Purple- Wearer, Whose guard recks not of tree or grass To blaze the way that he may pass. What if my heart be in the blast That heralds his triumphant way; Shall I repine, shall I not say: " Rejoice, my heart, the King has passed! " In life, each heart holds some sad story — The saddest ones are never told. I, too, have dreamed of fame and glory, And viewed the future bright with gold; But that is as a tale long told. When love has left some heart Mine eyes have lost their youthful distressed, To weight the air with wordful passion; But I am glad that in my breast I ever held so dear a guest. Love does not come at every nod, I loved! Why not? My heart flash, My cunning 'hand has lost its art; I am not old, but in my heart The ember lies beneath the ash. Or every voice that calleth " hasten; " He seeketh out some heart to chasten, And whips it, wailing, up to God! was youthful, My mind was filled with healthy thought. He doubts not whose own self is truthful, £32] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Doubt by dishonesty is taught; A form where every maiden grace So loved I boldly, fearing Bloomed to perfection's richest naught. flower,— I did not walk this lowly earth; The statued pose of conscious Mine was a newer, higher power, sphere, Like lithe-limbed Dian's of the Where youth was long and life chase, was dear, And all save love was little worth. Beneath a brow too fair for frown¬ ing, Her likeness! Would that I Like moon-lit deeps that glass might limn it, the skies As Love did, with enduring Till all the hosts above seem art; drowning, Nor dust of days nor death may Looked forth her steadfast ha- dim it, _ zel eyes, Where it lies graven ion my With gaze serene and purely heart, wise- Of this sad fabric of my life a And over all, her tresses rare, part. Which, when, with his desire I would that I might paint her grown weak, now The Night bent down to kiss As I beheld her in that day, ^er cheek, Ere her first bloom had passed Entrapped and held him captive away, there. And left the lines upon her brow. This was lone; a spirit finer A face serene that, beaming Ne'er burned to ash its house brightly, of clay; Disarmed the hot sun's glances A soul instinct with fire diviner bold. Ne'er fled athwart the face of A foot that kissed the ground so day, lightly, And tempted Time with earthly He frowned in wrath and stay. deemed her cold, Her loveliness was not alone But loved her still though he Of face and form and tresses' was old. hue; [33] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF For aye a pure, high soul shone Go striding down the gory through West, Her every act: this was lone. When Day's long fight was fought and won. II 'T was in the radiant summer And life became a different weather, story ; When God looked, smiling, Where'er I looked, I saw new from the sky; light. And we went wand'ring much to- Earth's self assumed a greater gether glory, By wood and lane, lone and Mine eyes were cleared to I, fuller sight. Attracted by the subtle tie Then first I saw the need and Of common thoughts and com- might mon tastes, Of that fair band, the singing Of eyes whose vision saw the throng, same, Who, gifted with the skill di- And freely granted beauty's vine, claim Take up the threads of life, Where others found but worthless SpUn fine, wastes. And weave them into soulful song. We paused to hear the far bells ringing They sung for me, whose passion Across the distance, sweet and pressing clear. My soul, found vent in song We listened to the wild bird's nor line. singing They bore the burden of express- The song he meant for his ing mate's ear, All that I felt, with art's de- And deemed our chance to do sign, so dear. And every word of theirs was We loved to watch the warrior mine. Sun, I read them to lone, ofttimes, With flaming shield and flaunt- By hill and shore, beneath fair ing crest, skies, [34] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR hi And she looked deeply in mine eyes, And knew my love spoke through their rhymes. To-day my skies are bare and ashen, And bend on me without a beam. Her life was like the stream that Since love is held the master-pas- floweth, And mine was like the waiting sea: sion, Its loss must be the pain su¬ preme — Her love was like the flower that And grinning Fate has wrecked bloweth, And mine was like the search¬ ing bee — I found her sweetness all for me. my dream. But pardon, dear departed Guest, I will not rant, I will not rail; For good the grain must feel the flail; God plied him in the mint of There are whom love has never time, blessed. And coined for us a golden day, And rolled it ringing down I had and have a younger brother, life's way With love's sweet music in its chime. And God unclasped the Book of Ages, And laid it open to our sight; Upon the dimness of its pages, So long consigned to rayless night, He shed the glory of his light. We read them well, we read them long, And ever thrilling did we see That love ruled all human- A kingly youth; the way before One whom I loved and love to¬ day As never fond and doting mother Adored the babe who found its way From heavenly scenes into her day. Oh, he was full of youth's new wine,— A man on life's ascending slope, Flushed with ambition, full of hope; And every wish of his was mine. ity>— The master passion, pure and strong. him Was thronged with victories to be won; [35] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF So joyous, too, the heavens o'er And so my brother's dawning him plight Were bright with an unchang- Became uncovered to my sight. ing sun,— Some sound-mote in his passing His days with rhyme were over- tone run. Caught in the meshes of my Toil had not taught him Nature's ear; prose, Some little glance, a shade too Tears had not dimmed his bril- dear, liant eyes, Betrayed the love he bore lone. And sorrow had not made him wise; What could I do? He was my His life was in the budding rose. brother, And young, and full of hope I know not how I came to and trust; waken, I could not, dared not try to Some instinct pricked my soul smother to sight; His flame, and turn his heart to My heart by some vague thrill dust. was shaken,— I knew how oft life gives a A thrill so true and yet so crust slight, To starving men who cry for I hardly deemed I read aright. bread; As when a sleeper, ign'rant why, But he was young, so few his Not knowing what mysterious days, hand He had not learned the great Has called him out of slumber- world's ways, land, Nor Disappointment's volumes Starts up to find some danger read, nigh. However fair and rich the booty, Love is a guest that comes, un- I could not make his loss my bidden, gain. But, having come, asserts his For love is dear, but dearer right; duty, He will not be repressed nor hid- And here my way was clear and den, plain. [36] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR I saw how I could save him pain. My heart swelled with a sea of And so, with all my day grown tears, dim, The tears my manhood could not That this loved brother's sun shed, might shine, I joined his suit, gave over The world js RomCj and Fate is mine> Nero, And sought lone, to plead for him. Disporting in the hour of doom. I found her in an eastern bower, God made us men; times make the Where all day long the am'rous hero — sun But in that awful space of Lay by to woo a timid flower. gloom This day his course was well- I gave no thought but sorrow's nigh run, room. But still with lingering art he All — all was dim within that spun bower, Gold fancies on the shadowed What time the sun divorced the wall. day; The vines waved soft and green And all the shadows, glooming above, gray, And there where one might tell Proclaimed the sadness of the his love, hour. I told my griefs — I told her all! She could not speak — no word I told her all, and as she heark- was needed; ened, Her look, half strength and half A tear-drop fell upon her dress. despair, With grief her flushing brow was Told me I had not vainly pleaded, darkened; That she would not ignore my One sob that she could not re- prayer. press And so she turned and left me Betrayed the depths of her dis- there, tress. And as she went, so passed my Upon her grief my sorrow fed, bliss; And I was bowed with unlived She loved me, I could not mis- years, take — [37] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF But for her own and my love's RELIGION sake Her womanhood could rise to 1 AM n° Priest of crooks nor this' creeds, For human wants and human My wounded heart fled swift to needs cover, Are more to me than prophets' And life at times seemed very deeds; drear. And human tears and human My brother proved an ardent cares lover — Affect me more than human What had so young a man to prayers, fear ? He wed lone within the year. Go, cease your wail, lugubrious No shadow clouds her tranquil saint! brow, You fret high Heaven with your Men speak her husband's name plaint. with pride, Is this the " Christian's joy " you While she sits honored at his paint? side — Is this the Christian's boasted She is — she must be happy now! bliss? Avails your faith no more than I doubt the course I took no thjs ? longer, Since those I love seem satisfied. Take up your arms, come out with The bond between them will grow me> stronger Let Heav'n alone; humanity As they go forward side by Needs more and Heaven less from side; thee. Then will my pains be jus- With pity for mankind look 'round; Their joy is mine, and that is Help them to rise — and Heaven best— is found. I am not totally bereft; For I have still the mem'ry left — Love stopped with me — a Royal Guest! [ 38 3 PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR DEACON JONES' GRIEV¬ ANCE I've been watchin' of 'em, par¬ son, An' I'm sorry fur to say 'At my mind is not contented With the loose an' keerless way 'At the young folks treat the mu¬ sic; 'T ain't the proper sort o' choir. Then I don't believe in Chris- tuns A-singin' hymns for hire. But I never would 'a' mur¬ mured An' the matter might 'a' gone Ef it was n't fur the antics 'At I've seen 'em kerry on; So I thought it was my dooty Fur to come to you an' ask Ef you would n't sort o' gently Take them singin' folks to task. Fust, the music they've be'n singin' Will disgrace us mighty soon; It's a cross between a opry An' a ol' cotillion tune. With its dashes an' its quavers An' its hifalutin style — Why, it sets my head to swim- min' When I'm comin' down the aisle. [. Now it might be almost decent Ef it was n't fur the way 'At they git up there an' sing it, Hey dum diddle, loud and gay. Why, it shames the name o' sacred In its brazen wordliness, An' they've even got " Ol' Hun¬ dred " In a bold, new-fangled dress. You '11 excuse me, Mr. Parson, Ef I seem a little sore; But I've sung the songs of Isr'el For threescore years an' more, An' it sort o' hurts my feelin's Fur to see 'em put away Fur these harum-scarum ditties 'At is capturin' the day. There's anuther little happ'nin' ( 'At I '11 mention while I'm here, Jes' to show 'at my objections All is offered sound and clear. It was one day they was singin' An' was doin' well enough — Singin' good as people could sing Sich an awful mess o' stuff — When the choir give a holler, An' the organ give a groan, An' they left one weak-voiced fel¬ ler A-singin' there alone! But he stuck right to the music, Tho' 'twas- tryin' as could be; 9] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF An' when I tried to help him, Why, the hull church scowled at me. You say that's so-low singin', Well, I pray the Lord that I Growed up when folks was willin' To sing their hymns so high. Why, we never had sich doin's In the good ol' Bethel days, When the folks was all con¬ tented With the simple songs of praise. Now I may have spoke too open, But 't was too hard to keep still, An' I hope you '11 tell the singers 'At I bear 'em no ill-will. 'At they all may git to glory Is my wish an' my desire, But they '11 need some extry train- in' 'Fore they jine the heavenly choir. ALICE Know you, winds that blow your course Down the verdant valleys, That somewhere you must, per¬ force, Kiss the brow of Alice? When her gentle face you find, Kiss it softly, naughty wind. Roses waving fair and sweet Thro' the garden alleys, Grow into a glory meet For the eye of Alice; Let the wind your offering bear Of sweet perfume, faint and rare. Lily holding crystal dew In your pure white chalice, Nature kind hath fashioned you Like the soul of Alice; It of purest white is wrought, Filled with gems of crystal thought. AFTER THE QUARREL So we, who've supped the self¬ same cup, To-night must lay our friend¬ ship by; Your wrath has burned your judgment up, Hot breath has blown the ashes high. You say that you are wronged — ah, well, I count that friendship poor, at best A bauble, a mere bagatelle, That cannot stand so slight a test. I fain would still have been your friend, And talked and laughed and loved with you; »] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR But since it must, why, let it end; The false but dies, 'tis not the true. So we are favored, you and I, Who only want the living truth. It was not good to nurse the'lie; 'T is well it died in harmless youth. I go from you to-night to sleep. Why, what's the odds ? why should I grieve? I have no fund of tears to weep For happenings that undeceive. The days shall come, the days shall go Just as they came and went be¬ fore. The sun shall shine, the streams shall flow Though you and I are friends no more. And in the volume of my years, Where all my thoughts and acts shall be, The page whereon your name appears Shall be forever sealed to me. Not that I hate you over-much, 'Tis less of hate than love de¬ fied; Howe'er, our hands no more shall touch, We '11 go our ways, the world is wide. [ BEYOND THE YEARS i Beyond the years the answer lies, Beyond where brood the grieving skies And Night drops tears. Where Faith rod-chastened smiles to rise And doff its fears, And carping Sorrow pines and dies — Beyond the years. ii Beyond the years the prayer for rest Shall beat no more within the breast; The darkness clears, And Morn perched on the moun¬ tain's crest Her form uprears — The day that is to come is best, Beyond the years. hi Beyond the years the soul shall find That endless peace for which it pined, For light appears, And to the eyes that still were blind With blood and tears, Their sight shall come all uncon- fined Beyond the years. ] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF AFTER A VISIT I be'n down in ole Kentucky Fur a week er two, an' say, 'T wuz ez hard ez breakin' oxen Fur to tear myse'f away. Alius argerin' 'bout fren'ship An' yer hospitality — Y' ain't no right to talk about it Tell you be'n down there to see. See jest how they give you welcome To the best that's in the land, Feel the sort o' grip they give you When they take you by the hand. Hear 'em say, " We 're glad to have you, Better stay a week er two;" An' the way they treat you makes you Feel that ev'ry word is true. Feed you tell you hear the buttons Crackin' on yore Sunday vest; Haul you roun' to see the wonders Tell you have to cry for rest. Drink yer health an' pet an' praise you Tell you git to feel ez great Ez the Sheriff o' the county Er the Gov'ner o' the State. Wife, she sez I must be crazy 'Cause I go on so, an' Nelse He 'lows, " Goodness gracious! daddy, Cain't you talk about nuthin' else?" Well, pleg-gone it, I'm jes' tickled, Bein' tickled ain't no sin; I be'n down in ole Kentucky, An' I want o' go ag'in. CURTAIN Villain shows his indiscretion, Villain's partner makes confession. Juvenile, with golden tresses, Finds her pa and dons long dresses. Scapegrace comes home money- laden, Hero comforts tearful maiden, Soubrette marries loyal chappie, Villain skips, and all are happy. THE SPELLIN'-BEE I never shall furgit that night when father hitched up Dob¬ bin, An' all us youngsters clambered in an' down the road went bob¬ bin' To school where we was kep' at work in every kind o' weather, But where that night a spellin'- bee was callin' us together. 'Twas one o' Heaven's banner nights, the stars was all a glitter, The moon was shinin' like the hand o' God had jest then lit her. ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR The ground was white with spot¬ less snow, the blast was sort o' stingin'; But underneath our round-abouts, you bet our hearts was sing- in'. That spellin'-bee had be'n the talk o' many a precious moment, The youngsters all was wild to see jes' what the precious show meant, An' we whose years was in their teens was little less desirous O' gittin' to the meetin' so's our sweethearts could admire us. So on we went so anxious fur to satisfy our mission That father had to box our ears, to smother our ambition. But boxin' ears was too short work to hinder cur arrivin', He jest turned roun' an' smacked us all, an' kep' right on a-drivin'. Well, soon the schoolhouse hove in sight, the winders beamin' brightly; The sound o' talkin' reached our ears, and voices laffin' lightly. It puffed us up so full an' big 'at I '11 jest bet a dollar, There wa'n't a feller there but felt the strain upon his col¬ lar. So down we jumped an' in we went ez sprightly ez you make 'em, [' But somethin' grabbed us by the knees an' straight began to shake 'em. Fur once within that lighted room, our feelin's took a canter, An' scurried to the zero mark ez quick ez Tam O'Shanter. 'Cause there was crowds o' peo¬ ple there, both sexes an' all stations ; It looked like all the town had come an' brought all their re¬ lations. The first I saw was Nettie Gray, I thought that girl was dearer 'N' gold; an' when I got a chance, you bet I aidged up near her. An' Farmer Dobbs's girl was there, the one 'at Jim was sweet on, An' Cyrus Jones an' Mandy Smith an' Faith an' Patience Deaton. Then Parson Brown an' Lawyer Jones were present — all at¬ tention, An' piles on piles of other folks too numerous to mention. The master rose an' briefly said: " Good friends, dear brother Crawford, To spur the pupils' minds along, a little prize has offered. To him who spells the best to- 5] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF night — or't may be ' her '— no tellin'— He offers ez a jest reward, this precious work on spellin'." A little blue-backed spellin'-book with fancy scarlet trimmin'; We boys devoured it with our eyes — so did the girls an' women. He held it up where all could see, then on the table set it, An' ev'ry speller in the house felt mortal bound to get it. At his command we fell in line, prepared to do our dooty, Ou^spell the rest an' set 'em down, an' carry home the booty. 'T was then the merry times be¬ gan, the blunders, an' the laffin', The nudges an' the nods an' winks an' stale good-natured chaf- fin\ Ole Uncle Hiram Dane was there, the clostest man a-livin', Whose only bugbear seemed to be the dreadful fear o' givin'. His beard was long, his hair un¬ cut, his clothes all bare an' dingy; It wasn't 'cause the man was pore, but jest so mortal stingy; An' there he sot by Sally Riggs a-smilin' an' a-smirkin', An' all his children lef' to home a diggin' an' a-workin'. [4 A widower he was, an' Sal was thinkin' 'at she'd wing him; I reckon he was wond'rin' what them rings o' hern would bring him. An' when the spellin'-test com¬ menced, he up an' took his station, A-spellin' with the best o' them to beat the very nation. An' when he'd spell some young¬ ster down, he'd turn to look at Sally, An' say: "The teachin' nowadays can't be o' no great vally." But true enough the adage says, " Pride walks in slipp'ry places," Fur soon a thing occurred that put a smile on all our faces. The laffter jest kep' ripplin' 'roun' an' teacher could n't quell it, Fur when he give out " charity " ole Hiram could n't spell it. But laffin' 's ketchin' an' it throwed some others off their bases, An' folks 'u'd miss the very word that seemed to fit their cases. Why, fickle little Jessie Lee come near the house upsettin' By puttin' in a double "kay" to spell the word " coquettin'." An' when it come to Cyrus Jones, it tickled me all over — Him settin' up to Mandy Smith an' got sot down on " lover." ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR But Lawyer Jones of all gone men did shorely look the gonest, When he found out that he'd fur- got to put the " h " in " hon¬ est." An' Parson Brown, whose ser¬ mons were too long fur tol¬ eration, Caused lots o' smiles by missin' when they give out " con¬ densation." So one by one they giv' it up — the big words kep' a-landin', Till me an' Nettie Gray was left, the only ones a-standin', An' then my inward strife began — I guess my mind was petty — I did so want that spellin'-book; but then to spell down Net¬ tie Jest sort o' went ag'in my grain — I somehow could n't do it, An' when I git a notion fixed, I'm great on stickin' to it. So when they giv' the next word out — I had n't orter tell But then 'twas all fur Nettie's sake — I missed so's she could spell it. She spelt the word, then looked at me so lovin'-like an' mello', I tell you 't sent a hunderd pins a shootin' through a fello'. O' course I had to stand the jokes an' chaffin' of the fello's, But when they handed her the book I vow I was n't jealous. We sung a hymn, an' Parson Brown dismissed us like he orter, Fur, la! he'd learned a thing er two an' made his blessin' shorter. 'T was late an' cold when we got out, but Nettie liked cold weather, An' so did I, so we agreed we'd jest walk home together. We both wuz silent, fur of words we nuther had a surplus, 'Till she spoke out quite sudden like, " You missed that word on purpose." Well, I declare it frightened me; at first I tried denyin', But Nettie, she jest smiled an' smiled, she knowed that I was lyin'. Sez she: " That book is yourn by rightsez I: "It never could be — I — I — you — ah —" an' there I stuck, an' well she under¬ stood me. So we agreed that later on when age had giv' us tether, We'd jine our lots an' settle down to own that book together. [45] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF KEEP A-PLUGGIN' AWAY IVe a humble little motto That is homely, though it's true,— Keep a-pluggin' away. It's a thing when I've an object That I always try to do,— Keep a-pluggin' away. When you've rising storms to quell, When opposing waters swell, It will never fail to tell,— Keep a-pluggin' away. If the hills are high before And the paths are hard to climb, Keep a-pluggin' away. And remember that successes Come to him who bides his time,— Keep a-pluggin' away. From the greatest to the least, None are from the rule released. Be thou toiler, poet, priest, Keep a-pluggin' away. Delve away beneath the surface, There is treasure farther down,—■ Keep a-pluggin' away. Let the rain come down in tor¬ rents, Let the threat'ning heavens frown, Keep a-pluggin' away. When the clouds have rolled away, There will come a brighter day All your labor to repay,— Keep a-pluggin' away. There '11 be lots of sneers to swal¬ low, There '11 be lots of pain to bear,— Keep a-pluggin' away. If you've got your eye on heaven, Some bright day you '11 wake up there,— Keep a-pluggin' away. Perseverance still is king; Time its sure reward will bring; Work and wait unwearying,— Keep a-pluggin' away. NIGHT OF LOVE The moon has left the sky, love, The stars are hiding now, And frowning on the world, love, Night bares her sable brow. The snow is on the ground, love, And cold and keen the air is. I'm singing here to you, love; You 're dreaming there in Paris. But this is Nature's law, love, Though just it may not seem, That men should wake to sing, love, While maidens sleep and dream. Them care may not molest, love, Nor stir them from their slum¬ bers, [46] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Though midnight find the swain, love, Still halting o'er his numbers. I watch the rosy dawn, love, Come stealing up the east, While all things round rejoice, love, That Night her reign has ceased. The lark will soon be heard, love, And on his way be winging; When Nature's poets wake, love, Why should a man be singing? COLUMBIAN ODE i Four hundred years ago a tangled waste Lay sleeping on the west At¬ lantic's side; Their devious ways the Old World's millions traced Content, and loved, and la¬ bored, dared and died, While students still believed the charts they conned, And revelled in their thriftless ignorance, Nor dreamed of other lands that lay beyond Old Ocean's dense, indefinite expanse. I ii But deep within her heart old Na¬ ture knew That she had once arrayed, at Earth's behest, Another offspring, fine and fair to view,— The chosen suckling of the mother's breast. The child was wrapped in vest¬ ments soft and fine, Each fold a work of Nature's matchless art; The mother looked on it with love divine, And strained the loved one closely to her heart. And there it lay, and with the warmth grew strong And hearty, by the salt sea breezes fanned, Till Time with mellowing touches passed along, And. changed the infant to a mighty land. in But men knew naught of this, till there arose That mighty mariner, the Genoese, Who dared to try, in spite of fears and foes, The unknown fortunes of un¬ sounded seas. 0 noblest of Italia's sons, thy bark 1 ] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Went not alone into that shroud¬ ing night! O dauntless darer of the rayless dark, The world sailed with thee to eternal light! The deer-haunts that with game were crowded then To-day are tilled and cultivated lands; The schoolhouse tow'rs where Bruin had his den, And where the wigwam stood the chapel stands; The place that nurtured men of savage mien Now teems with men of Na¬ ture's noblest types; Where moved the forest-foliage banner green, Now flutters in the breeze the stars and stripes! A BORDER BALLAD Oh, I have n't got long to live, for we all Die soon, e'en those who live longest; And the poorest and weakest are taking their chance Along with the richest and strongest. So it's heigho for a glass and a song, And a bright eye over the table, And a dog for the hunt when the game is flush, And the pick of a gentleman's stable. There is Dimmock o' Dune, he was here yester-night, But he's rotting to-day on Glen Arragh; 'T was the hand o' MacPherson that gave him the blow, And the vultures shall feast on his marrow. But it's heigho for a brave old song And a glass while we are able; Here's a health to death and an¬ other cup To the bright eye over the table. I can show a broad back and a jolly deep chest, But who argues now on ap¬ pearance ? A blow or a thrust or a stumble at best May send me to-day to my clearance. Then it's heigho for the things I love, My mother '11 be soon wearing sable, But give me my horse and my dog and my glass, And a bright eye over the table. ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR AN EASY-GOIN' FELLER Ther' ain't no use in all this strife, An' hurryin', pell-mell, right thro' life. I don't believe in goin' too fast To see what kind o' road you 've passed. It ain't no mortal kind o' good, 'N' I would n't hurry ef I could. I like to jest go joggin' 'long, To limber up my soul with song; To stop awhile 'n' chat the men, 'N' drink some cider now an' then. Do' want no boss a-standin' by To see me work; I alius try To do my dooty right straight up, An' earn what fills my plate an' cup. An' ez fur boss, I '11 be my own, I like to jest be let alone, To plough my strip an' tend my bees, An' do jest like I doggoned please. My head's all right, an' my heart's meller, But I'm a easy-goin' feller. A NEGRO LOVE SONG Seen my lady home las' night, Jump back, honey, jump back. Hel' huh han' an' sque'z it tight, Jump back, honey, jump back. Hyeahd huh sigh a little sigh, Seen a light gleam f'om huh eye, An' a smile go flittin' by — Jump back, honey, jump back. Hyeahd de win' blow thoo de pine, Jump back, honey, jump back. Mockin'-bird was singin' fine, Jump back, honey, jump back. An' my hea't was beatin' so, When I reached my lady's do', Dat I could n't ba' to go — Jump back, honey, jump back. Put my ahm aroun' huh wais', Jump back, honey, jump back. Raised huh lips an* took a tase, Jump back, honey, jump back. Love me, honey, love me true? Love me well ez I love you? An' she answe'd, " 'Cose I do "— Jump back, honey, jump back. THE DILETTANTE: A MODERN TYPE He scribbles some in prose and verse, And now and then he prints it; He paints a little,— gathers some Of Nature's gold and mints it. He plays a little, sings a song, Acts tragic roles, or funny; He does, because his love is strong, But not, oh, not for money! >] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF He studies almost everything From social art to science; A thirsty mind, a flowing spring, Demand and swift compliance. He looms above the sordid crowd — At least through friendly lenses; While his mamma looks pleased and proud, And kindly pays expenses. BY THE STREAM By the stream I dream in calm delight, and watch as in a glass, How the clouds like crowds of snowy-hued and white-robed maidens pass, And the water into ripples breaks and sparkles as it spreads, Like a host of armored knights with silver helmets on their heads. And I deem the stream an emblem fit of human life may go, For I find a mind may sparkle much and yet but shallows show, And a soul may glow with myriad lights and wondrous mys¬ teries, When it only lies a dormant thing and mirrors what it sees. [. THE COLORED SOLDIERS If the muse were mine to tempt it And my feeble voice were strong, If my tongue were trained to measures, I would sing a stirring song. I would sing a song heroic Of those noble sons of Ham, Of the gallant colored soldiers Who fought for Uncle Sam! In the early days you scorned them, And with many a flip and flout Said " These battles are the white man's, And the whites will fight them out." Up the hills you fought and fal¬ tered, In the vales you strove and bled, While your ears still heard the thunder Of the foes' advancing tread. Then distress fell on the nation, And the flag was drooping low; Should the dust pollute your ban¬ ner? No! the nation shouted, No! So when War, in savage triumph, Spread abroad his funeral pall — Then you called the colored sol¬ diers, And they answered to your call. >] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR And like hounds unleashed and eager For the life blood of the prey, Sprung they forth and bore them bravely ' In the thickest of the fray. And where'er the fight was hot¬ test, Where the bullets fastest fell, There they pressed unblanched and fearless At the very mouth of hell. Ah, they rallied to the standard To uphold it by their might; None were stronger in the labors, None were braver in the fight. From the blazing breach of Wag¬ ner To the plains of Olustee, They were foremost in the fight Of the battles of the free. And at Pillow! God have mercy On the deeds committed there, And the souls of those poor vic¬ tims Sent to Thee without a prayer. Let the fulness of Thy pity O'er the hot wrought spirits sway Of the gallant colored soldiers Who fell fighting on that day! Yes, the Blacks enjoy their free¬ dom, And they won it dearly, too; [5 For the life blood of their thou¬ sands Did the southern fields bedew. In the darkness of their bondage, In the depths of slavery's night, Their muskets flashed the dawn¬ ing, And they fought their way to light. They were comrades then and brothers, Are they more or- less to-day? They were good to stop a bullet And to front the fearful fray. They were citizens and soldiers, When rebellion raised its head; And the traits that made them worthy, — Ah ! those virtues are not dead. They have shared your nightly vigils, They have shared your daily toil ; And their blood with yours com¬ mingling Has enriched the Southern soil. They have slept and marched and suffered 'Neath the same dark skies as you, They have met as fierce a foe- man, And have been as brave and true. i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF And their deeds shall find a record In the registry of Fame; For their blood has cleansed com¬ pletely Every blot of Slavery's shame. So all honor and all glory To those noble sons of Ham— The gallant colored soldiers Who fought for Uncle Sam! NATURE AND ART to my friend charles booth nettleton i The young queen Nature, ever sweet and fair, Once on a time fell upon evil days. From hearing oft herself dis¬ cussed with praise, There grew within her heart the longing rare To see herself; and every passing air The warm desire fanned into lusty blaze. Full oft she sought this end by devious ways, But sought in vain, so fell she in despair. For none within her train nor by her side Could solve the task or give the envied boon. So day and night, beneath the sun and moon, is She wandered to and fro unsatis¬ fied, Till Art came, by, a blithe in¬ ventive elf, And made a glass wherein she saw herself. ii Enrapt, the queen gazed on her glorious self, Then trembling with the thrill of sudden thought, Commanded that the skilful wight be brought That she might dower him with lands and pelf. Then out upon the silent sea-lapt shelf And up the hills and on the downs they sought Him who so well and won- drously had wrought; And with much search found and brought home the elf. But he put by all gifts with sad replies, And from his lips these words flowed forth like wine: " O queen, I want no gift but thee," he said. She heard and looked on him with love-lit eyes, Gave him her- hand, low murmur¬ ing, " I am thine," And at the morrow's dawning they were wed. ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR AFTER WHILE a poem of faith I think that though the clouds be dark, That though the waves dash o'er the bark, Yet after while the light will come, And in calm waters safe at home The bark will anchor. Weep not, my sad-eyed, gray- robed maid, Because your fairest blossoms fade, That sorrow still o'erruns your cup, And even though you root them up, The weeds grow ranker. For after while your tears shall cease, And sorrow shall give way to peace; The flowers shall bloom, the weeds shall die, And in that faith seen, by and by Thy woes shall perish. Smile at old Fortune's adverse tide, Smile when the scoffers sneer and chide. Oh, not for you the gems that pale, And not for you the flowers that fail; Let this thought cherish: E. That after while the clouds will part, And then with joy the waiting heart Shall feel the light come stealing in, That drives away the cloud of sin And breaks its power. And you shall burst your chrysa¬ lis, And wing away to realms of bliss, Untrammelled, pure, divinely free, Above all earth's anxiety From that same hour. THE OL' TUNES You kin talk about yer anthems An' yer arias an' sich, An' yer modern choir-singin' That you think so awful rich; But you orter heerd us youngsters In the times now far away, A-singin' o' the ol' tunes In the ol'-fashioned way. There was some of us sung treble An' a few of us growled bass, An' the tide o' song flowed smoothly With its 'comp'niment o' grace; There was spirit in that music, An' a kind o' solemn sway, A-singin' o' the ol' tunes In the ol'-fashioned way. J] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF I remember oft o' standin' In my homespun pantaloons — On my face the bronze an' freckles O' the suns o' youthful Junes — Thinkin' that no mortal minstrel Ever chanted sich a lay As the ol' tunes we was singin' In the ol'-fashioned way. The boys 'ud always lead us, An' the girls 'ud all chime in Till the sweetness o' the singin' Robbed the list'nin' soul o' sin; An' I used to tell the parson 'T was as good to sing as pray, When the people sung the ol' tunes In the ol'-fashioned way. How I long ag'in to hear 'em Pourin' forth from soul to soul, With the treble high an' meller, An' the bass's mighty roll; But the times is very diff'rent, An' the music heerd to-day Ain't the singin' o' the ol' tunes In the ol'-fashioned way. Little screechin' by a woman, Little squawkin' by a man, Then the organ's twiddle-twaddle, Jest the empty space to span, — An' ef you should even think it, 'T is n't proper fur to say That you want to hear the ol' tunes In the ol'-fashioned way. [: But I think that some bright mornin', When the toils of life air o'er, An' the sun o' heaven arisin' Glads with light the happy shore, I shall hear the angel chorus, In the realms of endless day, A-singin' o' the ol' tunes In the ol'-fashioned way. MELANCHOLIA Silently without my window, Tapping gently at the pane, Falls the rain. Through the trees sighs the breeze Like a soul in pain. Here alone I sit and weep; Thought hath banished sleep. Wearily I sit and listen To the water's ceaseless drip. To my lip Fate turns up the bitter cup, Forcing me to sip; 'T is a bitter, bitter drink, Thus I sit and think, — Thinking things unknown and awful, Thoughts on wild, uncanny themes, Waking dreams. Spectres dark, corpses stark, Show the gaping seams Whence the cold and cruel knife Stole away their life. ■] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Bloodshot eyes all strained and staring, Gazing ghastly into mine; Blood like wine On the brow — clotted now— Shows death's dreadful sign. Lonely vigil still I keep; Would that I might sleep! Still, oh, still, my brain is whirl¬ ing! Still runs on my stream of thought; I am caught In the net fate hath set. Mind and soul are brought To destruction's very brink; Yet I can but think! Eyes that look into the future,— Peeping forth from out my mind, They will find Some new weight, soon or late, On my soul to bind, Crushing all its courage out,— Heavier than doubt. Dawn, the Eastern monarch's daughter, Rising from her dewy bed, Lays her head 'Gainst the clouds' sombre shrouds Now half fringed with red. O'er the land she 'gins to peep; Come, O gentle Sleep! [ Hark! the morning cock is crow¬ ing; Dreams, like ghosts, must hie away; 'Tis the day. Rosy morn now is born; Dark thoughts may not stay. Day my brain from foes will keep; Now, my soul, I sleep. THE WOOING A youth went faring up and down, Alack and well-a-day. He fared him to the market town, Alack and well-a-day. And there he met a maiden fair, With hazel eyes and auburn hair; His heart went from him then and there, Alack and well-a-day. She posies sold right merrily, Alack and well-a-day; But not a flower was fair as she, Alack and well-a-day. He bought a rose and sighed a sigh, " Ah, dearest maiden, would that I Might dare the seller too to buy! " Alack and well-a-day. She tossed her head, the coy co¬ quette, Alack and well-a-day. ;] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF " I'm not, sir, in the market yet," Alack and well-a-day. "Your love must cool upon a shelf; Tho' much I sell for gold and pelf, I'm yet too young to sell myself," Alack and well-a-day. The youth was filled with sorrow sore, Alack and well-a-day. And looked he at the maid once more, Alack and well-a-day. Then loud he cried, " Fair maid¬ en, if Too young to sell, now as I live, You're not too young yourself to give," Alack and well-a-day. The little maid cast down her eyes, Alack and well-a-day. And many a flush began to rise, Alack and well-a-day. " Why, since you are so bold," she said, " I doubt not you are highly bred, So take me! " and the twain were wed, Alack and well-a-day. [ MERRY AUTUMN It's all a farce,— these tales they tell About the breezes sighing, And moans astir o'er field and dell, Because the year is dying. Such principles are most absurd,— I care not who first taught 'em; There's nothing known to beast or bird To make a solemn autumn. In solemn times, when grief holds sway With countenance distressing, You'll note the more of black and gray Will then be used in dressing. Now purple tints are all around; The sky is blue and mellow; And e'en the grasses turn the ground From modest green to yellow. The seed burrs all with laughter crack On featherweed and jimson; And leaves that should be dressed in black Are all decked out in crimson. A butterfly goes winging by; A singing bird comes after; <1 PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR And Nature, all from earth to sky, Is bubbling o'er with laughter. The ripples wimple on the rills, Like sparkling little lasses; The sunlight runs along the hills, And laughs among the grasses. The earth is just so full of fun It really can't contain it; And streams of mirth so freely run The heavens seem to rain it. Don't talk to me of solemn days In autumn's time of splendor, Because the sun shows fewer rays, And these grow slant and slen¬ der. Why, it's the climax of the year, — The highest time of living! — Till naturally its bursting cheer Just melts into thanksgiving. WHEN DE CO'N PONE'S HOT Dey is times in life when Nature Seems to slip a cog an' go, Jes' a-rattlin' down creation, Lak an ocean's overflow; When de worl' jes' stahts a-spin- nxn' Lak a picaninny's top, [ An' yo' cup o' joy is brimmin' 'Twell it seems about to slop, An' you feel jes' lak a racah, Dat is trainin' fu' to trot — When yo' mammy says de blessin' An' de co'n pone's hot. When you set down at de table, Kin' o' weary lak an' sad, An' you 'se jes' a little tiahed An' purhaps a little mad; How yo' gloom tu'ns into glad¬ ness, How yo' joy drives out de doubt When de oven do' is opened, An' de smell comes po'in' out; Why, de 'lectric light o' Heaven Seems to settle on de spot, When yo' mammy says de blessin' An' de co'n pone's hot. When de cabbage pot is steamin' An' de bacon good an' fat, When de chittlins is a-sputter'n' So's to show you whah dey's at; Tek away yo' sody biscuit, Tek away yo' cake an' pie, Fu' de glory time is comin', An' it's 'proachin' mighty nigh, An' you want to jump an' hollah, Dough you know you'd bettah not, When yo' mammy says de blessin' An' de co'n pone's hot. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF I have hyeahd o' lots o' sermons, An' I've hyeahd o' lots o' prayers, An' I've listened to some singin' Dat has tuck me up de stairs Of de Glory-Lan' an' set me Jes' below de Mastah's th'one, An' have lef' my hea't a-singin' In a happy aftah tone; But dem wu'ds so sweetly mur¬ mured Seem to tech de softes' spot, When my mammy says de blessin', An' de co'n pone's hot. BALLAD I know my love is true, And oh the day is fair. The sky is clear and blue, The flowers are rich of hue, The air I breathe is rare, I have no grief or care; For my own love is true, And oh the day is fair. My love is false I find, And oh the day is dark. Blows sadly down the wind, While sorrow holds my mind; I do not hear the lark, For quenched is life's dear spark,— My love is false I find, And oh the day is dark! For love doth make the day Or dark or doubly bright; Her beams along the way Dispel the gloom and gray. She lives and all is bright, She dies and life is night. For love doth make the day, Or dark or doubly bright. THE CHANGE HAS COME The change has come, and Helen sleeps — Not sleeps; but wakes to greater deeps Of wisdom, glory, truth, and light, Than ever blessed her seeking sight, In this low, long, lethargic night, Worn out with strife Which men call life. The change has come, and who would say " I would it were not come to¬ day"? What were the respite till to¬ morrow ? Postponement of a certain sor¬ row, From which each passing day would borrow! Let grief be dumb, The change has come. [5«] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR COMPARISON The sky of brightest gray seems dark To one whose sky was ever white. To one who never knew a spark, Thro' all his life, of love or light, The grayest cloud seems over- bright. The robin sounds a beggar's note Where one the nightingale has heard, But he for whom no silver throat Its liquid music ever stirred, Deems robin still the sweetest bird. A CORN-SONG On the wide veranda white, In the purple failing light, Sits the master while the sun is lowly burning; And his dreamy thoughts are drowned In the softly flowing sound Of the corn-songs of the field- hands slow returning. Oh, we hoe de co'n Since de ehly mo'n; Now de sinkin' sun Says de day is done. O'er the fields with heavy tread, Light of heart and high of head, [ Though the halting steps be la¬ bored, slow, and weary; Still the spirits brave and strong Find a comforter in song, And their corn-song rises ever loud and cheery. Oh, we hoe de co'n Since de ehly mo'n; Now de sinkin' sun Says de day is done. To the master in his seat, Comes the burden, full and sweet, Of the mellow minor music grow¬ ing clearer, As the toilers raise the hymn, Thro' the silence dusk and dim, To the cabin's restful shelter drawing nearer. Oh, we hoe de co'n Since de ehly mo'n; Now de sinkin' sun Says de day is done. And a tear is in the eye Of the master sitting by, As he listens to the echoes low- replying To the music's fading calls As it faints away and falls Into silence, deep within the cabin dying. Oh, we hoe de co'n Since de ehly mo'n; Now de sinkin' sun Says de day is done. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF DISCOVERED Seen you down at chu'ch las' night, Nevah min', Miss Lucy. What I mean ? oh, dat's all right, Nevah min', Miss Lucy. You was sma't ez sma't could be, But you could n't hide f'om me. Ain't I got two eyes to see! Nevah min', Miss Lucy. Guess you thought you's awful keen; Nevah min', Miss Lucy. Evahthing you done, I seen; Nevah min', Miss Lucy. Seen him tek yo' ahm jes' so, When he got outside de do' — Oh, I know dat man's yo' beau! Nevah min', Miss Lucy. Say now, honey, wha'd he say ? — Nevah min', Miss Lucy! Keep yo' secrets — dat's yo' way — Nevah min', Miss Lucy. Won't tell me an' I'm yo' pal — I'm gwine tell his othah gal, — Know huh, too, huh name is Sal; Nevah min', Miss Lucy! DISAPPOINTED An old man planted and dug and tended, Toiling in joy from dew to dew; The sun was kind, and the rain befriended; Fine grew his orchard and fair to view. Then he said: " I will quiet my thrifty fears, For here is fruit for my failing years." But even then the storm-clouds gathered, Swallowing up the azure sky; The sweeping winds into white foam lathered The placid breast of the bay, hard by; Then the spirits that raged in the darkened air Swept o'er his orchard and left it bare. The old man stood in the rain, un¬ caring, Viewing the place the storm had swept; And then with a cry from his soul despairing, He bowed him down to the earth and wept. But a voice cried aloud from the driving rain; "Arise, old man, and plant again!" [So] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR INVITATION TO LOVE Come when the nights are bright with stars Or when the moon is mellow; Come when the sun his golden bars Drops on the hay-field yellow. Come in the twilight soft and gray, Come in the night or come in the day, Come, O love, whene'er you may, And you are welcome, welcome. You are sweet, O Love, dear Love, You are soft as the nesting dove. Come to my heart and bring it rest As the bird flies home.to its wel¬ come nest. Come when my heart is. full of grief Or when my heart is merry; Come with the falling of the leaf Or with the redd'ning cherry. Come when the year's first blos¬ som blows, Come when the summer gleams and glows, Come with the winter's drifting snows, And you are welcome, welcome. [ HE HAD HIS DREAM He had his dream, and all through life, Worked up to it through toil and strife. Afloat fore'er before his eyes, It colored for him all his skies: The storm-cloud dark Above his bark, The calm and listless vault of blue Took on its hopeful hue, It tinctured every passing beam — He had his dream. He labored hard and failed at last, His sails too weak to bear the blast, The raging tempests tore away And sent his beating bark astray. But what cared he For wind or sea! He said, " The tempest will be short, My bark will come to port." He saw through every cloud a gleam — He had his dream. GOOD-NIGHT The lark is silent in his nest, The breeze is sighing in its flight, Sleep, Love, and peaceful be thy rest. Good-night, my love, good¬ night, good-night. i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OE 'T ain't no possum! Bless de Lamb! Sweet dreams attend thee in thy sleep, To soothe thy rest till mora- Yes, it is, you rascal, Sam! ing's light, And angels round thee vigil keep. Good-night, my love, good¬ night, good-night. Gin it to me; whut you say? Ain't you sma't now! Oh, go way i Possum do look mighty nice, Sleep well, my love, on night's But you ax too big a price, dark breast, And ease thy soul with slumber Tdl ;s yQU (dk[n, {rue> bright; Be joy but thine and I am blest. Good-night, my love, good¬ night, good-night. Dat's de gal's whut ma'ies you ? Come back, Sam; now whah's you gwine? Co'se you knows dat possum's mine! A COQUETTE CON¬ QUERED Yes, my ha't's ez ha'd ez stone — Go 'way, Sam, an' lemme 'lone. No; I ain't gwine change my min' — Ain't gwine ma'y you —• nuffin' de kin'. Phiny loves you true an' deah? Go ma'y Phiny; whut I keer? Oh, you need n't mou'n an' cry — I don't keer how soon you die. Got a present! Whut you got? Somef'n fu' de pan er pot! Huh! yo' sass do sholy beat — Think I don't git 'nough to eat? Whut's dat un'neaf yo' coat ? Looks des lak a little shoat. NORA: A SERENADE Ah, Nora, my Nora, the light fades away, While Night like a spirit steals up o'er the hills; The thrush from his tree where he chanted all day, No longer his music in ecstasy trills. Then, Nora, be near me; thy pres¬ ence doth cheer me, Thine eye hath a gleam that is truer than gold. I cannot but love thee; so do not reprove me, If the strength of my passion should make me too bold. [62] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Nora, pride of my heart — Rosy cheeks, cherry lips, spar¬ kling with glee,— Wake from thy slumbers, wher¬ ever thou art; Wake from thy slumbers to me. Ah, Nora, my Nora, there's love in the air,— It stirs in the numbers that thrill in my brain; Oh, sweet, sweet is love with its mingling of care, Though joy travels only a step before pain. Be roused from thy slumbers and list to my numbers; My heart is poured out in this song unto thee. Oh, be thou not cruel, thou treas¬ ure, thou jewel; Turn thine ear to my pleading and hearken to me. OCTOBER October is the treasurer of the year, And all the months pay bounty to her store; The fields and orchards still their tribute bear, And fill her brimming coffers more and more. But she, with youthful lavishness, Spends all her wealth in gaudy dress, And decks herself in garments bold Of scarlet, purple, red, and gold. She heedeth not how swift the hours fly, But smiles and sings her happy life along; She only sees above a shining sky; She only hears the breezes' voice in song. Her garments trail the woodlands through, And gather pearls of early dew That sparkle, till the roguish Sun Creeps up and steals them every one. But what cares she that jewels should be lost, When all of Nature's bounte¬ ous wealth is hers? Though princely fortunes may have been their cost, Not one regret her calm de¬ meanor stirs. Whole-hearted, happy, careless, free, She lives her life out joyously, Nor cares when Frost stalks o'er her way Aud turns her auburn locks to gray. [63] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF A SUMMER'S NIGHT The night is dewy as a maiden's mouth, The skies are bright as are a maiden's eyes, Soft as a maiden's breath the wind that flies Up from the perfumed bosom of the South. Like sentinels, the pines stand in the park; And hither hastening, like rakes that roam, With lamps to light their way¬ ward footsteps home, The fireflies come stagg'ring down the dark. SHIPS THAT PASS IN THE NIGHT Out in the sky the great dark clouds are massing; I look far out into the pregnant night, Where I can hear a solemn boom¬ ing gun And catch the gleaming of a random light, That tells me that the ship I seek is passing, passing. My tearful eyes my soul's deep hurt are glassing; For I would hail and check that ship of ships. [< I stretch my hands imploring, cry aloud, My voice falls dead a foot from mine own lips, And but its ghost doth reach that vessel, passing, passing. O Earth, O Sky, O Ocean, both surpassing, O heart of mine, O soul that dreads the dark! Is there no hope for me ? Is there no way That I may sight and check that speeding bark Which out of sight and sound is passing, passing? THE DELINQUENT Goo'-by, Jinks, I got to hump, Got to mek dis pony jump; See dat sun a-goin' down 'N' me a-foolin' hyeah in town! Git up, Suke — go long! Guess Mirandy '11 think I's tight, Me not home an' comin' on night. What's dat stan'in' by de fence ? Pshaw! why don't I lu'n some sense ? Git up, Suke — go long! Guess I spent down dah at Jinks' Mos' a dollah fur de drinks. Bless yo'r soul, you see dat star? Lawd, but won't Mirandy rar? Git up, Suke — go long! ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR iWent dis mo'nin', hyeah it's night, Dah's de cabin dah in sight. Who's dat stan'in' in de do' ? Dat must be Mirandy, sho', Git up, Suke — go long! Got de close-stick in huh han', Dat look funny, goodness lan', Sakes alibe, but she look glum! Hyeah, Mirandy, hyeah I come! Git up, Suke — go long! Ef't had n't a' b'en fur you, you slow ole fool, I'd a' be'n home long fo' now! DAWN An angel, robed in spotless white, Bent down and kissed the sleeping Night. Night woke to blush; the sprite was gone. Men saw the blush and called it Dawn. A DROWSY DAY The air is dark, the sky is gray, The misty shadows come and go, And here within my dusky room Each chair looks ghostly in the gloom. Outside the rain falls cold and slow — [■ Half-stinging drops, half-blinding spray. Each slightest sound is magnified, For drowsy quiet holds her reign; The burnt stick in the fireplace breaks, The nodding cat with start awakes, And then to sleep drops off again, Unheeding Towser at her side. I look far out across the lawn, Where huddled stand the silly sheep; My work lies idle at my hands, My thoughts fly out like scattered strands Of thread, and on the verge of sleep — Still half awake — I dream and yawn. What spirits rise before my eyes! How various of kind and form! Sweet memories of days long past, The dreams of youth that could not last, Each smiling calm, each raging storm, That swept across my early skies. Half seen, the bare, gaunt-fingered boughs Before my window sweep and sway, And chafe in tortures of unrest. >] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF My chin sinks down upon my breast; I cannot work on such a day, • But only sit and dream and drowse. DIRGE Place this bunch of mignonette In her cold, dead hand; When the golden sun is set, Where the poplars stand, Bury her from sun and day, Lay my little love away From my sight. She was like a modest flower Blown in sunny June, Warm as sun at noon's high hour, Chaster than the moon. Ah, her day was brief and bright, Earth has lost a star of light; She is dead. Softly breathe her name to me,— Ah, I loved her so. Gentle let your tribute be; None may better know Her true worth than I who weep O'er her as she lies asleep — Soft asleep. Lay these lilies on her breast, They are not more white Than the soul of her, at rest 'Neath their petals bright. Chant your aves soft and low, [< Solemn be your tread and slow,— She is dead. Lay her here beneath the grass,- Cool and green and sweet, Where the gentle brook may pass Crooning at her feet. Nature's bards shall come and sing, And the fairest flowers shall spring Where she lies. Safe above the water's swirl, She has crossed the bar; Earth has lost a precious pearl, Heaven has gained a star, That shall ever sing and shine, Till it quells this grief of mine For my love. HYMN When storms arise And dark'ning skies About me threat'ning lower, To thee, O Lord, I raise mine eyes, To thee my tortured spirit flies For solace in that hour. The mighty arm Will let no harm Come near me nor befall me; Thy voice shall quiet my alarm, When life's great battle waxeth warm — No foeman shall appall me. ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Upon thy breast Secure I rest, From sorrow and vexation; No more by sinful cares oppressed, But in thy presence ever blest, O God of my salvation. PREPARATION The little bird sits in the nest and sings A, shy, soft song to the morning light; In de furrers whah de co'n was alius wavin', Now de weeds is growin' green an' rank an' tall; An' de swallers roun' de whole place is a-bravin' Lak dey thought deir folks had alius owned it all. An' de big house stan's all quiet lak an' solemn, Not a blessed soul in pa'lor, po'ch, er lawn; And it flutters a little and prunes Not a Suest> ner not a ca'iaSe lef' to haul 'em, Fu' de ones dat tu'ned de latch- string out air gone. its wmgs. The song is halting and poor and brief, And the fluttering wings scarce stir a leaf; But the note is a prelude to sweeter things, And the busy bill and the flutter slight Are proving the wings for a bolder flight! THE DESERTED PLAN¬ TATION Oh, de grubbin'-hoe's a-rustin' in de co'nah, An' de plow's a-tumblin' down in de fiel', While de whippo'will's a-wailin' lak a mou'nah When his stubbo'n hea't is try- Whah's ole Uncle Mordecai an* An' de banjo's voice is silent in de qua'ters, D' ain't a hymn ner co'n-song ringin' in de air; But de murmur of a branch's pass- in' waters Is de only soun' dat breks de stillness dere. Whah's de da'kies, dem dat used to be a-dancin' Evry night befo' de ole cabin do'? Whah's de chillun, dem dat used to be a-prancin' Er a-rollin' in de san' er on de flo'? in' ha'd to yiel'. [ 67] Uncle Aaron? THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Whah's Aunt Doshy, Sam, an' THE SECRET Kit, an' all de res'? . Whah's ole Tom de da'ky fiddlah, What says the wmd to the way- how's he farin' ? Whah's de gals dat used to sing an' dance de bes'? Gone! not one o' dem is lef' to tell de story; ing trees? What says the wave to the river? What means the sigh in the passing breeze ? Why do the rushes quiver? Dey haye let' de deah ole place Have 5"™ not heard the faintinS to fall away. cry Could n't one o' dem dat seed it in °f the flowers that sal'd " Go01*" its glory Stay to watch it in de hour of decay? bye, good-bye " ? Dey have lef' de ole plantation to de swallers, But it hoi's in me a lover till de las'* i- • j ji. Have you not caught the message Fu I nn hyeah in de memory dat J b & List how the gray dove moans and grieves Under the woodland cover; List to the drift of the falling leaves, List to the wail of the lover. heard A11Ji1 , , j . r i j Already by wave and breeze and All dat loved me an dat I loved bird? follers datlove in de pas'. Come, come away to the river's bank, Come in the early morning; Ez I used to in de happy days Come when ^ grass ^ dew ^ So I '11 stay an' watch de deah ole place an' tend it dank, There you will find the warn¬ ing— gone by. 'Twell de othah Mastah thinks it's time to end it, An' calls me to my qua'ters in A the ^ of {he quicken. de ^ ing air Of the secret that birds and breezes bear. [68] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE WIND AND THE SEA I stood by the shore at the death of day, As the sun sank flaming red; And the face of the waters that spread away Was as gray as the face of the dead. And I heard the cry of the wan¬ ton sea And the moan of the wailing wind; For love's sweet pain in his heart had he, But the gray old sea had sinned. •The wind was young and the sea was old, But their cries went up to¬ gether ; The wind was warm and the sea was cold, For age makes wintry weather. So they cried aloud and they wept amain, Till the sky grew dark to hear it; And out of its folds crept the misty rain, In its shroud, like a troubled spirit. For the wind was wild with a hopeless love, And the sea was sad at heart [« At many a crime that he wot of, Wherein he had played his part. He thought of the gallant ships gone down By the will of his wicked waves; And he thought how the church¬ yard in the town Held the sea-made widows' graves. The wild wind thought of the love he had left Afar in an Eastern land, And he longed, as long the much bereft, For the touch of her perfumed hand. In his winding wail and his deep- heaved sigh His aching grief found vent; While the sea looked up at the bending sky And murmured: " I repent." But e'en as he spoke, a ship came by, That bravely ploughed the main, And a light came into the sea's green eye, And his heart grew hard again. Then he spoke to the wind: " Friend, seest thou not Yon vessel is eastward bound? Pray speed with it to the happy spot >] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Where thy loved one may be To hitch up my nag and go hur¬ rying down And take Katie May for a ride into town; For bumpety-bump goes the wagon, But tra-la-la-la our lay. There's joy in a song as we rattle along In the light of the glorious day. found." And the wind rose up in a dear delight, And after the good ship sped; But the crafty sea by his wicked might Kept the vessel ever ahead. Till the wind grew fierce in his despair, And white on the brow and lip. A coach would be fine, but a spring wagon's good; He tore his garments and tore his My jeans are a match for Kate's hair, And fell on the flying ship. gingham and hood; The hills take us up and the vales take us down, And the ship went down, for a But what matters that? we are rock was there, And the sailless sea loomed black ; While burdened again with dole and care, The wind came moaning back. riding to town, And bumpety-bump goes the wagon, But tra-la-la-la sing we. There's never a care may live in the air That is filled with the breath of our glee. And still he moans from his bosom hot Where his raging grief lies pent, And after we ve started, there s And ever when the ships come not, The sea says: " I repent." RIDING TO TOWN When labor is light and the morning is fair, I find it a pleasure beyond all compare naught can repress The thrill of our hearts in their wild happiness; The heavens may smile or the heavens may frown, And it's all one to us when we 're riding to town. For bumpety-bump goes the wagon, But tra-la-la-la we shout, [ 7° ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR For our hearts they are clear and there's nothing to fear, And we've never a pain nor a doubt. The wagon is weak and the road¬ way is rough, And tho' it is long it is not long enough, For mid all my ecstasies this is the crown To sit beside Katie and ride into town, When bumpety-bump goes the wagon, But tra-la-la-la our song; And if I had my way, I'd be will¬ ing to pay If the road could be made twice as long. WE WEAR THE MASK We wear the mask that grins and lies, It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,— This debt we pay to human guile; With torn and bleeding hearts we smile, And mouth with myriad subtle¬ ties. Why should the world be over- wise, In counting all our tears and sighs ? Nay, let them only see us, while We wear the mask. We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries To thee from tortured souls arise. We sing, but oh the clay is vile Beneath our feet, and long the mile; But let the world dream other¬ wise, We wear the mask! THE MEADOW LARK Though the winds be dank, And the sky be sober, And the grieving Day In a mantle gray Hath let her waiting maiden robe her,— All the fields along I can hear the song Of the meadow lark, As she flits and flutters, And laughs at the thunder when it mutters. O happy bird, of heart most gay To sing when skies are gray! When the clouds are full, And the tempest master Lets the loud winds sweep From his bosom deep Like heralds of some dire disas¬ ter, O THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Then the heart alone To itself makes moan; And the songs come slow, While the tears fall fleeter, And silence than song by far seems sweeter. Oh, few are they along the way Who sing when skies are gray! ONE LIFE Oh, I am hurt to death, my Love; The shafts of Fate have pierced my striving heart, And I am sick and weary of The endless pain and smart. My soul is weary of the strife, And chafes at life, and chafes at life. Time mocks me with fair prom¬ ises; A blooming future grows a bar¬ ren past, Like rain my fair full-blossomed trees Unburden in the blast. The harvest fails on grain and tree, Nor comes to me, nor comes to me. The stream that bears my hopes abreast [■ Turns ever from my way its pregnant tide. My laden boat, torn from its rest, Drifts to the other side. So all my hopes are set astray, And drift away, and drift away. The lark sings to me at the morn, And near me wings her sky¬ ward-soaring flight; But pleasure dies as soon as born, The owl takes up the night, And night seems long and doubly dark; I miss the lark, I miss the lark. Let others labor as they may, I'll sing and sigh alone, and write my line. Their fate is theirs, or grave or gay, And mine shall still be mine. I know the world holds joy and glee, But not for me,—'t is not for me. CHANGING TIME The cloud looked in at the win¬ dow, And said to the day, " Be dark! " And the roguish rain tapped hard on the pane, To stifle the song of the lark. The wind sprang up in the tree tops >] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR And shrieked with a voice of death, But the rough-voiced breeze, that shook the trees, Was touched with a violet's breath. DEAD A knock is at her door, but she is weak; Strange dews have washed the paint streaks from her cheek; She does not rise, but, ah, this friend is known, And knows that he will find her all alone. So opens he the door, and with soft tread Goes straightway to the richly curtained bed. His soft hand on her dewy head he lays. A strange white light she gives him for his gaze. Then, looking on the glory of her charms, He crushes her resistless in his arms. Stand back! look not upon this bold embrace, Nor view the calmness of the wanton's face; With joy unspeakable and 'bated breath, [: She keeps her last, long liaison with death! A CONFIDENCE Uncle John, he makes me tired; Thinks 'at he's jest so all-fired Smart, 'at he kin pick up, so, Ever'thing he wants to know. Tried to ketch me up last night, But you bet I would n't bite. I jest kep' the smoothes' face, But I led him sich a chase, Could n't corner me, you bet— I skipped all the traps he set. Makin' out he wan'ed to know Who was this an' that girl's beau; So's he'd find out, don't you see, Who was goin' 'long with me. But I answers jest ez sly, An' I never winks my eye, Tell he hollers with a whirl, " Look here, ain't you got a girl ? " Y' ought 'o seen me spread my eyes, Like he'd took me by surprise, An' I said, " Oh, Uncle John, Never thought o' havin' one." An' somehow that seemed to tickle Him an' he shelled out a nickel. Then you ought to seen me leave Jest a-laffin' in my sleeve. Fool him — well, I guess I did; He ain't on to this here kid. Got a girl! well, I guess yes, Got a dozen more or less, But I got one reely one, i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Not no foolin' ner no fun; Fur I'm sweet on her, you see, An' I ruther guess 'at she Must be kinder sweet on me, So we 're keepin' company. Honest Injun! this is true, Ever' word I'm tellin' you! But you won't be sich a scab Ez to run aroun' an' blab. Mebbe't ain't the way with you, But you know some fellers do. Spoils a girl to let her know 'At you talk about her so. Don't you know her ? her name's Liz, Nicest girl in town she is. Purty? ah, git out, you gilly — Liz 'ud purt 'nigh knock you silly. Y' ought 'o see her when she's dressed All up in her Sunday best, All the fellers nudgin' me, An' a-whisperin', gemunee! Betcher life 'at I feel proud When she passes by the crowd. 'T's kinder nice to be a-goin' With a girl 'at makes some show- in'— One you know 'at hain't no snide, Makes you feel so satisfied. An' I '11 tell you she's a trump, Never even seen her jump Like some silly girls 'ud do, When I'd hide and holler " Boo! " She'd jest laff an' say "Git out! What you hollerin' about ? " When some girls 'ud have a fit [7 That 'un don't git skeered a bit, Never makes a bit o' row When she sees a worm er cow. Them kind's few an' far between; Bravest girl I ever seen. Tell you 'nuther thing she '11 do, Mebbe you won't think it's true, But if she's jest got a dime She '11 go halvers ever' time. Ah, you goose, you needn't laff; That's the kinder girl to have. If you knowed her like I do, Guess you'd kinder like her too. Tell you somep'n' if you '11 swear You won't tell it anywhere. Oh, you got to cross yer heart Earnest, truly, 'fore I start. Well, one day I kissed her cheek; Gee, but I felt cheap an' weak, 'Cause at first she kinder flared, 'N', gracious goodness! I was scared. But I need n't been, fer la! Why, she never told her ma. That's what I call grit, don't you? Sich a girl's worth stickin' to. PHYLLIS Phyllis, ah, Phyllis, my life is a gray day, Few are my years, but my griefs are not few, Ever to youth should each day be a May-day, ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Warm wind and rose-breath and diamonded dew — Phyllis, ah, Phyllis, my life is a gray day. Oh for the sunlight that shines on a May-day! Only the cloud hangeth over my life. Love that should bring me youth's happiest heyday Brings me but seasons of sor¬ row and strife; Phyllis, ah, Phyllis, my life is a gray day. Sunshine or shadow, or gold day or gray day, Life must be lived as our des¬ tinies rule; Leisure or labor or work day or play day — Feasts for the famous and fun for the fool; Phyllis, ah, Phyllis, my life is a gray day. RIGHT'S SECURITY What if the wind do howl with¬ out, And turn the creaking weather- vane; What if the arrows of the rain Do beat against the window-pane? Art thou not armored strong and fast [■ Against the sallies of the blast? Art thou not sheltered safe and well Against the flood's insistent swell? What boots it, that thou stand'st alone, And laughest in the battle's face When all the weak have fled the place And let their feet and fears keep pace? Thou wavest still thine ensign, high, And shoutest thy loud battle-cry; Higher than e'er the tempest roared, It cleaves the silence like a sword. Right arms and armors, too, that man Who will not compromise with wrong; Though single, he must front the throng, And wage the battle hard and long. Minorities, since time began, Have shown the better side of man; And often in the lists of Time One man has made a cause sub¬ lime! IF If life were but a dream, my Love, And death the waking time; ;] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF If day had not a beam, my Love, And night had not a rhyme,— A barren, barren world were this Without one saving gleam; I'd only ask that with a kiss You'd wake me from the dream. If dreaming were the sum of days, And loving were the bane; If battling for a wreath of bays Could soothe a heart in pain,— I'd scorn the meed of battle's might, All other aims above I'd choose the human's higher right, To suffer and to love! THE SONG My soul, lost in the music's mist, Roamed, rapt, 'neath skies of ame¬ thyst. The cheerless streets grew summer meads, The Son of Phoebus spurred his steeds, And, wand'ring down the mazy tune, December lost its way in June, < While from a verdant vale I heard The piping of a love-lorn bird. [: A something in the tender strain Revived an old, long-conquered pain, And as in depths of many seas, My heart was drowned in mem¬ ories. The tears came welling to my eyes, Nor could I ask it otherwise; For, oh! a sweetness seems to last Amid the dregs of sorrows past. It stirred a chord that here of late I'd grown to think could not vi¬ brate. It brought me back the trust of youth, The world again was joy and truth. And Avice, blooming like a bride, Once more stood trusting at my side. But still, with bosom desolate, The 'lorn bird sang to find his mate. Then there are trees, and lights and stars, The silv'ry tinkle of guitars; And throbs again as throbbed that waltz, Before I knew that hearts were false. Then like a cold wave on a shore, ] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Comes silence and she sings no more. I wake, I breathe, I think again, And walk the sordid ways of men. SIGNS OF THE TIMES Air a-gittin' cool an' coolah, Frost a-comin' in de night, Hicka' nuts an' wa'nuts fallin', Possum keepin' out o' sight. Tu'key struttin' in de ba'nya'd, Nary step so proud ez his; Keep on struttin', Mistah Tu'key, Yo' do' know whut time it is. Cidah press commence a-squeakin' Eatin' apples sto'ed away, Chillun swa'min' 'roun' lak ho'- nets, Huntin' aigs ermung de hay. Mistah Tu'key keep on gobblin' At de geese a-flyin' souf, Oomph! dat bird do' know whut's comin'; Ef he did he'd shet his mouf. Pumpkin gittin' good an' yallah Mek me open up my eyes; Seems lak it's a-lookin' at me Jes' a-la'in' dah sayin' " Pies." Tu'key gobbler gwine 'roun' blow- in', Gwine 'roun' gibbin' sass an' slack; Keep on talkin', Mistah Tu'key, You ain't seed no almanac. [■ Fa'mer walkin' th'oo de ba'nya'd Seein' how things is comin' on, Sees ef all de fowls is fatt'nin' — Good times comin' sho's you bo'n. Hyeahs dat tu'key gobbler brag- gin', Den his face break in a smile — Nebbah min', you sassy rascal, He's gwine nab you atter while. Choppin' suet in de kitchen, Stonin' raisins in de hall, Beef a-cookin' fu' de mince meat, Spices groun''—I smell 'em all. Look hyeah, Tu'key, stop dat gobblin', You ain' luned de sense ob feah, You ol' fool, yo' naik's in dangah, Do' you know Thanksgibbin's hyeah ? WHY FADES A DREAM? Why fades a dream? An iridescent ray Flecked in between the tryst Of night and day. Why fades a dream? — Of consciousness the shade Wrought out by lack of light and made Upon life's stream. Why fades a dream? That thought may thrive, So fades the fleshless dream; 7] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Lest men should learn to trust The things that seem. So fades a dream, That living thought may grow And like a waxing star-beam glow Upon life's stream — So fades a dream. THE SPARROW A little bird, with plumage brown, Beside my window flutters down, A moment chirps its little strain, Ten taps upon my window-pane, And chirps again, and hops along, To call my notice to its song; But I work on, nor heed its lay, Till, in neglect, it flies away. So birds of peace and hope and love Come fluttering earthward from above, To settle on life's window-sills, And ease our load of earthly ills; But we, in traffic's rush and din Too deep engaged to let them in, With deadened heart and sense plod on, Nor know our loss till they are gone. SPEAKIN' O' CHRISTMAS Breezes blowin' middlin' brisk, Snow-flakes thro' the air a-whisk, Fallin' kind o' soft an' light, [ Not enough to make things white, But jest sorter siftin' down So's to cover up the brown Of the dark world's rugged ways 'N' make things look like holidays. Not smoothed over, but jest specked, Sorter strainin' fur effect, An' not quite a-gittin' through What it started in to do. Mercy sakes! it does seem queer Christmas day is 'most nigh here. Somehow it don't seem to me Christmas like it used to be,— Christmas with its ice an' snow, Christmas of the long ago. You could feel its stir an' hum Weeks an' weeks before it come; Somethin' in the atmosphere Told you when the day was near, Did n't need no almanacs; That was one o' Nature's fac's. Every cottage decked out gay — Cedar wreaths an' holly spray — An' the stores, how they were ■ drest, Tinsel tell you couldn't rest; Every winder fixed up pat, Candy canes, an' things like that; Noah's arks, an' guns, an' dolls, An' all kinds o' fol-de-rols. Then with frosty bells a-chime, Slidin' down the hills o' time, Right amidst the fun an' din Christmas come a-bustlin' in, Raised his cheery voice to call Out a welcome to us all; n PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Hale and hearty, strong an' bluff, That was Christmas, sure enough. Snow knee-deep an' coastin' fine, Frozen mill-ponds all ashine, Seemin' jest to lay in wait, Beggin' you to come an' skate. An' you'd git your gal an' go Stumpin' cheerily thro' the snow, Feelin' pleased an' skeert an' warm 'Cause she had a-holt yore arm. Why, when Christmas come in, we Spent the whole glad day in glee, Havin' fun an' feastin' high An' some courtin' on the sly. Bustin' in some neighbor's door An' then suddenly, before He could give his voice a lift, Yellin' at him, " Christmas gift." Now sich things are never heard, " Merry Christmas " is the word. But it's only change o' name, An' means givin' jest the same. There's too many new-styled ways Now about the holidays. I'd jest like once more to see Christmas like it used to be! LONESOME Mother's gone a-visitin' to spend a month er two, An', oh, the house is lonesome ez a nest whose birds has flew To other trees to build ag'in; the rooms seem jest so bare [■ That the echoes run like sperrits from the kitchen to the stair. The shetters flap more lazy-like 'n what they used to do, Sence mother's gone a-visitin' to spend a month er two. We've killed the fattest chicken an' we've cooked her to a turn; We've made the richest gravy, but I jest don't give a durn Fur nothin' 'at I drink er eat, er nothin' 'at I see. The food ain't got the pleasant taste it used to have to me. They's somep'n' stickin' in my throat ez tight ez hardened glue, Sence mother's gone a-visitin' to spend a month er two. The hollyhocks air jest ez pink, they 're double ones at that, An' I wuz prouder of 'em than a baby of a cat. But now I don't go near 'em, though they nod an' blush at me, Fur they's somep'n' seems to gall me in their keerless sort o' glee An' all their fren'ly noddin' an' their blushin' seems to say: " You 're purty lonesome, John, old boy, sence mother's gone away." i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF The neighbors ain't so fren'ly ez it seems they'd ort to be; They seem to be a-lookin' kinder sideways like at me, A-kinder feared they'd tech me off ez ef I wuz a match, An' all because 'at mother's gone an' I'm a-keepin' batch! I'm shore I don't do nothin' worse 'n what I used to do 'Fore mother went a-visitin' to spend a month er two. The sparrers ac's more fearsome like an' won't hop quite so near, The cricket's chirp is sadder, an' the sky ain't ha'f so clear; When ev'nin' comes, I set an' smoke tell my eyes begin to swim, An' things aroun' commence to look all blurred an' faint an' dim. Well, I guess I '11 have to own up 'at I'm feelin' purty blue Sence mother's gone a-visitin' to spend a month er two. Tho' it oughtn't to cause me no su'prise, Fur there's many a sun 'at you've seen rise An' many a one you've seen go down Sence yore step was light an' yore hair was brown, An' storms an' snows have had their way — Hello, ole man, you 're a-gittin' gray. Hello, ole man, you 're a-gittin' gray, An' the youthful pranks 'at you used to play Are dreams of a far past long ago That lie in a heart where the fires burn low — That has lost the flame though it kept the glow, An' spite of drivin' snow an' storm, Beats bravely on forever warm. December holds the place of May — Hello, ole man, you 're a-gittin' gray. Hello, ole man, you 're a-gittin' GROWIN' GRAY „n.gray~~\ L Who cares what the carpin young- Hello, ole man, you're a-gittin' sters say? gray, For, after all, when the tale is told, An' it beats ole Ned to see the Love proves if a man is young or way old! 'At the crow's feet's a-getherin' Old age can't make the heart grow aroun' yore eyes; cold [80] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR When it does the will of an honest mind; When it beats with love fur all mankind; Then the night but leads to a fairer day — Hello, ]. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF He hurled his flaming lances far; The twain stood unaffrighted — And Midnight and the Morning- Star Lay down in death united! DREAMS Dream on, for dreams are sweet: Do not awaken! Dream on, and at thy feet Pomegranates shall be shaken. Who likeneth the youth Of life to morning? 'Tis like the night in truth, Rose-coloured dreams adorning. The wind is soft above, The shadows umber. (There is a dream called Love.) Take thou the fullest slumber! In Lethe's soothing stream, Thy thirst thou slakest. Sleep, sleep; 't is sweet to dream. Oh, weep when thou awakest! THE DREAMER Temples he built and palaces of air, And, with the artist's parent- pride aglow, His fancy saw his vague ideals grow Into creations marvellously fair; [i He set his foot upon Fame's nether stair. But ah, his dream,— it had entranced him so He could not move. He could no farther go; But paused in joy that he was even there! He did not wake until one day there gleamed Thro' his dark consciousness a light that racked His being till he rose, alert to act. But lo! what he had dreamed, the while he dreamed, Another, wedding action unto thought, Into the living, pulsing world had brought. WAITING The sun has slipped his tether And galloped down the west. (Oh, it's weary, weary waiting, love.) The little bird is sleeping In the softness of its nest. Night follows day, day follows dawn, And so the time has come and gone: And it's weary, weary waiting, love. The cruel wind is rising With a whistle and a wail. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR (And it's weary, weary waiting, love.) My eyes are seaward straining For the coming of a sail; But void the sea, and void the beach Far and beyond where gaze can reach! And it's weary, weary waiting, love. I heard the bell-buoy ringing — How long ago it seems! (Oh, it's weary, weary waiting, love.) And ever still, its knelling Crashes in upon my dreams. The banns were read, my frock was sewn; Since then two seasons' winds have blown — And it's weary, weary waiting, love. The stretches of the ocean Are bare and bleak to-day. (Oh, it's weary, weary waiting, love.) My eyes are growing dimmer — Is it tears, or age, or spray? But I will stay till you come home. Strange ships come in across the foam! But it's weary, weary waiting, love. THE END OF THE CHAP¬ TER Ah, yes, the chapter ends to-day; We even lay the book away; But oh, how sweet the moments sped Before the final page was read! We tried to read between the lines The Author's deep-concealed de¬ signs; But scant reward such search se¬ cures ; You saw my heart and I saw yours. The Master,— He who penned the page And bade us read it,— He is sage: And what he orders, you and I Can but obey, nor question why. We read together and forgot The world about us. Time was not. Unheeded and unfelt, it fled. We read and hardly knew we read. Until beneath a sadder sun, We came to know the book was done. Then, as our minds were but new lit, It dawned upon us what was writ; And we were startled. In our eyes, [ioi] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Looked forth the light of great surprise. Then as a deep-toned tocsin tolls, A voice spoke forth: " Behold your souls! " I do, I do. I cannot look Into your eyes: so close the book. But brought it grief or brought it bliss, No other page shall read like this! SYMPATHY I know what the caged bird feels, alas! When the sun is bright on the upland slopes; When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass, And the river flows like a stream of glass; When the first bird sings and the first bud opes, And the faint perfume from its chalice steals — I know what the caged bird feels! I know why the caged bird beats his wing Till its blood is red on the cruel bars; For he must fly back to his perch and cling When he fain would be on the bough a-swing; And a pain still throbs in the old, old scars [i And they pulse again with a keener sting — I know why he beats his wing! I know why the caged bird sings, ah me, When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,— When he beats his bars and he would be free; It is not a carol of joy or glee, But a prayer that he sends from his heart's deep core, But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings — I know why the caged bird sings! LOVE AND GRIEF Out of my heart, one treach'rous winter's day, I locked young Love and threw the key away. Grief, wandering widely, found the key, And hastened with it, straight¬ way, back to me, With Love beside him. He un¬ locked the door And bade Love enter with him there and stay. And so the twain abide for ever¬ more. love's chastening Once Love grew bold and arro¬ gant of air, *] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Proud of the youth that made him fresh and fair; So unto Grief he spake, " What right hast thou To part or parcel of this heart?" Grief's brow Was darkened with the storm of inward strife; Thrice smote he Love as only he might dare, And Love, pride purged, was chas¬ tened all his life. MORTALITY Ashes to ashes, dust unto dust, What of his loving, what of his lust? What of his passion, what of his pain? What of his poverty, what of his pride ? Earth, the great mother, has called him again: Deeply he sleeps, the world's ver¬ dict defied. Shall he be tried again? Shall he go free? Who shall the court convene? Where shall it be? No answer on the land, none from the sea. Only we know that as he did, we must: You with your theories, you with your trust,— Ashes to ashes, dust unto dust! [i LOVE A life was mine full of the close concern Of many-voiced affairs. The world sped fast; Behind me, ever rolled a preg¬ nant past. A present came equipped with lore to learn. Art, science, letters, in their turn, Each one allured me with its treasures vast; And I staked all for wisdom, till at last Thou cam'st and taught my soul anew to yearn. I had not dreamed that I could turn away From all that men with brush and pen had wrought; But ever since that memorable day When to my heart the truth of love was brought, I have been wholly yielded to its sway, And had no room for any other thought. SHE GAVE ME A ROSE She gave a rose, And I kissed it and pressed it. I love her, she knows, And my action confessed it. She gave me a rose, And I kissed it and pressed it. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Ah, how my heart glows, Could I ever have guessed it? It is fair to suppose That I might have repressed it: She gave me a rose, And I kissed it and pressed it. 'T was a rhyme in life's prose That uplifted and blest it. Man's nature, who knows Until love comes to test it? She gave me a rose, And I kissed it and pressed it. Be thy far home by mountain, vale, or sea. My yearning heart may never find its rest Until thou liest rapt upon my breast. The wind may bring its perfume from the south, Is it so sweet as breath from my love's mouth? Oh, naught that surely is, and naught that seems May turn me from the lady of my dreams. DREAM SONG I Long years ago, within a distant clime, Ere Love had touched me with his wand sublime, I dreamed of one to make my life's calm May The panting passion of a sum¬ mer's day. And ever since, in almost sad sus¬ pense, I have been waiting with a soul intense To greet and take unto myself the beams, Of her, my star, the lady of my dreams. O Love, still longed and looked for, come to me, DREAM SONG II Pray, what can dreams avail To make love or to mar? The child within the cradle rail Lies dreaming of the star. But is the star by this beguiled To leave its place and seek the child ? The poor plucked rose within its glass Still dreameth of the bee; But, tho' the lagging moments pass, Her Love she may not see. If dream of child and flower fail, Why should a maiden's dreams prevail ? [104J PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR CHRISTMAS IN THE HEART The snow lies deep upon the ground, And winter's brightness all around Decks bravely out the forest sere, With jewels of the brave old year. The coasting crowd upon the hill With some new spirit seems to thrill; And all the temple bells achime. Ring out the glee of Christmas time. In happy homes the brown oak- bough Vies with the red-gemmed holly now; And here and there, like pearls, there show The berries of the mistletoe. A sprig upon the chandelier Says to the maidens, " Come not here!" Even the pauper of the earth Some kindly gift has cheered to mirth! Within his chamber, dim and cold, There sits a grasping miser old. He has no thought save one of gain- To grind and gather and grasp and drain. A peal of bells, a merry shout Assail his ear: he gazes out Upon a world to him all gray, [i And snarls, " Why, this is Christ¬ mas Day! " No, man of ice,— for shame, for shame! For " Christmas Day " is no mere name. No, not for you this ringing cheer, This festal season of the year. And not for you the chime of bells From holy temple rolls and swells. In day and deed he has no part — Who holds not Christmas in his heart! THE KING IS DEAD Aye, lay him in his grave, the old dead year! His life is lived — fulfilled his destiny. Have you for him no sad, regret¬ ful tear To drop beside the cold, unfol- lowed bier? Can you not pay the tribute of a sigh ? Was he not kind to you, this dead old year? Did he not give enough of earthly store ? Enough of love, and laughter, and good cheer? Have not the skies you scanned sometimes been clear? THE COMPLETE POEMS OF How, then, of him who dies, could RESIGNATION you ask more? Long had I grieved at what I deemed abuse; It is not well to hate him for the JJut now I am as grain within Pa^n the mill. He brought you, and the sorrows If SQ be thou mmt crush me £or manifold. thy use, To pardon him these hurts still I Grind ^ Q pQtent Godj and am fain, _ do thy will! For in the panting period of his reign, He brought me new wounds, but LOVE'S HUMILITY he healed the old. As some rapt gazer on the lowly earth, One little sigh for thee, my poor, up t0 radiant planets, dead friend ranging far, One little sigh while my com- So I, whose soul doth know thy panions sing. wondrous worth Thou art so soon forgotten in the Look longing up to thee as to a end > star. [We cry e'en as thy footsteps down¬ ward tend: " The king is dead! long live the king!" The poor man went to the rich man's doors, " I come as Lazarus came," he said. The rich man turned with humble There is a heaven, for ever, day head,— by day, " I will send my dogs to lick your The upward longing of my soul sores! " doth tell me so. There is a hell, I 'm quite as sure; for pray, If there were not, where would She told her beads with down- my neighbours go? cast eyes, Within the ancient chapel dim; And ever as her fingers slim [106] PRECEDENT THEOLOGY SHE TOLD HER BEADS PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Slipt o'er th' insensate ivories, My rapt soul followed, spaniel- wise. Ah, many were the beads she wore; But as she told them o'er and o'er, They did not number all my sighs. My heart was filled with unvoiced cries And prayers and pleadings un¬ expressed ; But while I burned with Love's unrest, She told her beads with down¬ cast eyes. LITTLE LUCY LANDMAN Oh, the day has set me dreaming In a strange, half solemn way Of the feelings I experienced On another long past day,— Of the way my heart made music When the buds began to blow, And o' little Lucy Landman Whom I loved long years ago. It's in spring, the poet tells us, That we turn to thoughts of love, And our hearts go out a-wooing With the lapwing and the dove. But whene'er the soul goes seeking Its twin-soul, upon the wing, I've a notion, backed by mem'ry, That it's love that makes the spring. [i I have heard a robin singing When the boughs were brown and bare, And the chilling hand of winter Scattered jewels through the air. And in spite of dates and seasons, It was always spring, I know, When I loved Lucy Landman In the days of long ago. Ah, my little Lucy Landman, I remember you as well As if 't were only yesterday I strove your thoughts to tell,— When I tilted back your bonnet, Looked into your eyes so true, Just to see if you were loving Me as I was loving you. Ah, my little Lucy Landman It is true it was denied You should see a fuller summer And an autumn by my side. But the glance of love's sweet sun¬ light Which your eyes that morning gave Has kept spring within my bosom, Though you lie within the grave. THE GOURD In the heavy earth the miner Toiled and laboured day by day, Wrenching from the miser moun¬ tain Brilliant treasure where it lay. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF And the artist worn and weary Wrought with labour manifold That the king might drink his nectar From a goblet made of gold. On the prince's groaning table Mid the silver gleaming, bright Mirroring the happy faces Giving back the flaming light, Shine the cups of priceless crystal Chased with many a lovely line, Glowing now with warmer colour, Crimsoned by the ruby wine. In a valley sweet with sunlight, Fertile with the dew and rain, Without miner's daily labour, Without artist's nightly pain, There there grows the cup I drink from, Summer's sweetness in it stored, And my lips pronounce a blessing As they touch an old brown gourd. Why, the miracle at Cana In the land of Galilee, Tho' it puzzles all the scholars, Is no longer strange to me. For the poorest and the humblest Could a priceless wine afford, If they'd only dip up water With a sunlight-seasoned gourd. So a health to my old comrade, And a song of praise to sing When he rests inviting kisses In his place beside the spring. Give the king his golden goblets, Give the prince his crystal hoard; But for me the sparkling water From a brown and brimming gourd! THE KNIGHT Our good knight, Ted, girds his broadsword on (And he wields it well, I ween) ; He's on his steed, and away has gone To the fight for king and queen. What tho' no edge the broadsword hath? What tho' the blade be made of lath? 'T is a valiant hand That wields the brand, So, foeman, clear the path! He prances off at a goodly pace; 'T is a noble steed he rides, That bears as well in the speedy race As he bears in battle-tides. What tho' 't is but a rocking-chair That prances with this stately air? 'T is a warrior bold The reins doth hold, Who bids all foes beware! [108] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THOU ART MY LUTE Thou art my lute, by thee I sing,— My being is attuned to thee. Thou settest all my words a-wing, And meltest me to melody. Thou art my life, by thee I live, From thee proceed the joys I know; Sweetheart, thy hand has power to give The meed of love — the cup of woe. A touch, as of lips that were press¬ ing Mine own with the message of bliss — A sudden, soft, fleeting caressing, A breath like a maiden's first kiss. I woke —- and the scoffer may doubt me — I peered in surprise through the gloom; But nothing and none were about me, And I was alone in my room. Thou art my love, by thee I lead . My soul the paths of light along, PerhaPs twf the wlnd that From vale to vale, from mead to mead, And home it in the hills of song. caressed me And touched me with dew-laden breath; Or, maybe, close-sweeping, there passed me The low-winging Angel of Death. My song, my soul, my life, my all, Why need I pray or make my plea, Since my petition cannot fall; For I'm already one with thee! Some sceptic may choose to dis¬ dain it, Or one feign to read it aright; Or wisdom may seek to explain it — This mystical kiss in the night. THE PHANTOM KISS One night in my room, still and beamless, With will and with thought in But rather let fancy thus clear it: eclipse, That, thinking of me here alone, I rested in sleep that was dream- The miles were made naught, and, less ; When softly there fell on my lips in spirit, Thy lips, love, were laid on mine own. [109] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF COMMUNION In the silence of my heart, I will spend an hour with thee, When my love shall rend apart All the veil of mystery: All that dim and misty veil That shut in between our souls When Death cried, " Ho, maiden, hail!" And your barque sped on the shoals. On the shoals? Nay, wrongly said. On the breeze of Death that sweeps Far from life, thy soul has sped Out into unsounded deeps. I shall take an hour .and come Sailing, darling, to thy side. Wind nor sea may keep me from Soft communings with my bride. I shall rest my head on thee As I did long days of yore, When a calm, untroubled sea Rocked thy vessel at the shore. I shall take thy hand in mine, And live o'er the olden days When thy smile to me was wine,— Golden wine thy word of praise, For the carols I had wrought In my soul's simplicity; [i For the petty beads of thought Which thine eyes alone could see. Ah, those eyes, love-blind, but keen For my welfare and my weal! Tho' the grave-door shut between, Still their love-lights o'er me steal. I can see thee thro' my tears, As thro' rain we see the sun. What tho' cold and cooling years Shall their bitter courses run,— I shall see thee still and be Thy true lover evermore, And thy face shall be to me Dear and helpful as before. Death may vaunt and Death may boast, But we laugh his pow'r to scorn; He is but a slave at most,— Night that heralds coming morn. I shall spend an hour with thee Day by day, my little bride. True love laughs at mystery, Crying, " Doors of Death, fly wide." MARE RUBRUM In Life's Red Sea with faith I plant my feet, And wait the sound of that sus¬ taining word o] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Which long ago the men of Israel heard, When Pharaoh's host behind them, fierce and fleet, Raged on, consuming with re¬ vengeful heat. Why are the barrier waters still unstirred? — That struggling faith may die of hope deferred? Is God not sitting in His ancient seat? The billows swirl above my trem¬ bling limbs, And almost chill my anxious heart to doubt And disbelief, long conquered and defied. But tho' the music of my hopeful hymns Is drowned by curses of the rag¬ ing rout, No voice yet bids th' opposing waves divide! IN AN ENGLISH GARDEN In this old garden, fair, I walk to-day Heart-charmed with all the beauty of the scene: The rich, luxuriant grasses' cooling green, The wall's environ, ivy-decked and gray, [i The waving branches with the wind at play, The slight and tremulous blooms that show between, Sweet all: and yet my yearning heart doth lean Toward Love's Egyptian flesh- pots far away. Beside the wall, the slim Labur¬ num grows And flings its golden flow'rs to every breeze. But e'en among such soothing sights as these, I pant and nurse my soul-devour¬ ing woes. Of all the longings that our hearts wot of, There is no hunger like the want of love! THE CRISIS A man of low degree was sore op¬ pressed, Fate held him under iron-handed sway, And ever, those who saw him thus distressed Would bid him bend his stub¬ born will and pray. But he, strong in himself and ob¬ durate, Waged, prayerless, on his losing fight with Fate. i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Friends gave his proffered hand their coldest clasp, Or took it not at all; and Pov¬ erty, That bruised his body with relent¬ less grasp, Grinned, taunting, when he struggled to be free. But though with helpless hands he beat the air, His need extreme yet found no voice in prayer. THE CONQUERORS the black troops in cuba Round the wide earth, from the red field your valour has won, Blown with the breath of the far- speaking gun, Goes the word. Bravely you spoke through the bat¬ tle cloud heavy and dun. Tossed though the speech toward the mist-hidden sun, The world heard. Then he prevailed; and forthwith woul(j have shrunk from you snobbish Fate, seeking it fresh from the fray, Like some whipped cur, came Grim with the dust of the battle, fawning at his feet; an(j gray Those who had scorned forgave From the fight. and called him great Heaven would have crowned you, His friends found out that with crowns not of gold but friendship still was sweet. 0f bay} But he, once obdurate, now bowed Owning you fit for the light of his head ^ her day, In prayer, and trembling with its ]y/[en cf nfght. import, said: Far through the cycle of years and " Mere human strength may stand 0f iives that shall come, ill-fortune's frown; There shall speak voices long muf- So I prevailed, for human fle(j an(j dumb) strength was mine; Out of fear. But from the killing pow r of And through the noises of trade great renown, an(j the turbulent hum, Naught may protect me save a Truth shall rise over the militant strength divine. druni) Help me, O Lord, in this my Loud and clear, trembling cause; I scorn men's curses, but I dread Then on the cheek of the honester applause J " nation that grows, ["2J PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR All for their love of you, not for your woes, There shall lie Tears that shall be to your souls as the dew to the rose; Afterward thanks, that the pres¬ ent yet knows Not to ply! ALEXANDER CRUMMELL — DEAD Back to the breast of thy mother, Child of the earth! E'en her caress can not smother What thou hast done. Follow the trail of the westering sun Over the earth. Thy light and his were as one — Sun, in thy worth. Unto a nation whose sky was as night, Camest thou, holily, bearing thy light: And the dawn came, In it thy fame Flashed up in a flame. Back to the breast of thy mother — To rest. Long hast thou striven; Dared where the hills by the light- 'ning of heaven were riven; Go now, pure shriven. Who shall come after thee, out of the clay — [i Learned one and leader to show us the way? Who shall rise up when the world gives the test? Think thou no more of this — Rest! WHEN ALL IS DONE When all is done, and my last word is said, And ye who loved me murmur, " He is dead," Let no one weep, for fear that I should know, And sorrow too that ye should sorrow so. When all is done and in the ooz¬ ing clay, Ye lay this cast-off hull of mine away, Pray not for me, for, after long despair, The quiet of the grave will be a prayer. For I have suffered loss and grievous pain, The hurts of hatred and the world's disdain, And wounds so deep that love, well-tried and pure, Had not the pow'r to ease them or to cure. When all is done, say not my day is o'er, 3] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF And that thro' night I seek a dim¬ mer shore: Say rather that my morn has just begun,— I greet the dawn and not a setting sun, When all is done. THE POET AND THE BABY How's a man to write a sonnet, can you tell,— How's he going to weave the dim, poetic spell,— When a-toddling on the floor Is the muse he must adore, And this muse he loves, not wisely, but too well? Now, to write a sonnet, every one allows, One must always be as quiet as a mouse; But to write one seems to me Quite superfluous to be, When you've got a little sonnet in the house. Just a dainty little poem, true and fine, That is full of love and life in every line, Earnest, delicate, and sweet, Altogether so complete That I wonder what's the use of writing mine. DISTINCTION " I am but clay," the sinner plead, Who fed each vain desire. " Not only clay," another said, " But worse, for thou art mire." THE SUM A little dreaming by the way, A little toiling day by day; A little pain, a little strife, A little joy,—'and that is life. A little short-lived summer's morn, When joy seems all so newly born, When one day's sky is blue above, And one bird sings,— and that is love. A little sickening of the years, The tribute of a few hot tears Two folded hands, the failing breath, And peace at last,— and that is death. Just dreaming, loving, dying so, The actors in the drama go — A flitting picture on a wall, Love, Death, the themes; but is that all? [114J PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR SONNET on an old book with uncut leaves Emblem of blasted hope and lost desire, No finger ever traced thy yel¬ low page Save Time's. Thou hast not wrought to noble rage The hearts thou wouldst have stirred. Not any fire Save sad flames set to light a fu¬ neral pyre Dost thou suggest. Nay,— im¬ potent in age, Unsought, thou holdst a corner of the stage And ceasest even dumbly to aspire. How different was the thought of him that writ. What promised he to love of ease and wealth, When men should read and kin¬ dle at his wit. But here decay eats up the book by stealth, While it, like some old maiden, solemnly, Hugs its incongruous virginity! ON THE SEA WALL I sit upon the old sea wall, And watch the shimmering sea, Where soft and white the moon¬ beams fall, [X Till, in a fantasy, Some pure white maiden's funeral pall The strange light seems to me. The waters break upon the shore And shiver at my feet, While I dream old dreams o'er and o'er, And dim old scenes repeat; Tho' all have dreamed the same before, They still seem new and sweet. The waves still sing the same old song That knew an elder time; The breakers' beat is not more strong, Their music more sublime; And poets thro' the ages long Have set these notes to rhyme. But this shall not deter my lyre, Nor check my simple strain; If I have not the old-time fire, I know the ancient pain: The hurt of unfulfilled desire,— The ember quenched by rain. I know the softly shining sea That rolls this gentle swell Has snarled and licked its tongues at me And bared its fangs as well; That 'neath its smile so heavenly, There lurks the scowl of hell! 15] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF But what of that? I strike my string (For songs in youth are sweet) ; I '11 wait and hear the waters bring Their loud resounding beat; Then, in her own bold numbers sing The Ocean's dear deceit! TO A LADY PLAYING THE HARP Thy tones are silver melted into sound, And as I dream I see no walls around, But seem to hear A gondolier Sing sweetly down some slow Ve¬ netian stream. Italian skies — that I have never seen — I see above. (Ah, play again, my queen; Thy fingers white Fly swift and light And weave for me the golden mesh of love.) Oh, of the thou dusk sorceress dusky eyes And soft dark hair, 'T is thou that mak'st my skies So swift to change To.far and strange; But far and strange, thou still dost make them fair. Now thou dost sing, and I am lost in thee As one who drowns In floods of melody. Still in thy art Give me this part, Till perfect love, the love of lov¬ ing crowns. CONFESSIONAL Search thou my heart; If there be guile, It shall depart Before thy smile. Search thou my soul; Be there deceit, 'T will vanish whole Before thee, sweet. Upon my mind Turn thy pure lens; Naught shalt thou find Thou canst not cleanse. If I should pray, I scarcely know In just what way My prayers would go. So strong in me I feel love's leaven, I'd bow to thee As soon as Heaven! ["«] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR MISAPPREHENSION Out of my heart, one day, I wrote a song, With my heart's blood imbued, Instinct with passion, tremulously strong, With grief subdued; Breathing a fortitude Pain-bought. And one who claimed much love for what I wrought, Read and considered it, And spoke: " Ay, brother,—'t is well writ, But where's the joke?" PROMETHEUS Prometheus stole from Heaven the sacred fire And swept to earth with it o'er land and sea. He lit the vestal flames of poesy, Content, for this, to brave celes¬ tial ire. Wroth were the gods, and with eternal hate Pursued the fearless one who ravished Heaven That earth might hold in fee the perfect leaven To lift men's souls above t;heir low estate. But judge you now, when poets wield the pen, [i Think you not well the wrong has been repaired? 'T was all in vain that ill Pro¬ metheus fared: The fire has been returned to Heaven again! We have no singers like the ones whose note Gave challenge to the noblest warbler's song. We have no voice so mellow, sweet, and strong As that which broke from Shelley's golden throat. The measure of our songs is our desires: We tinkle where old poets used to storm. We lack their substance tho' we keep their form: We strum our banjo-strings and call them lyres. LOVE'S PHASES Love hath the wings of the but¬ terfly, Oh, clasp him but gently, Pausing and dipping and flutter¬ ing by Inconsequently. Stir not his poise with the breath of a sigh; Love hath the wings of the but¬ terfly. 7] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Love hath the wings of the eagle Is the chap for its money's bold, worth: Cling to him strongly— And the lust for success causes What if the look of the world be half of the sins cold, That are cursing this brave old And life go wrongly? earth. Rest on his pinions, for broad is For it's fine to go up, and the their fold; world's applause Love hath the wings of the eagle Is sweet to the mortal ear; bold. But the man who fails in a noble cause Love hath the voice of the nightin- is a hero that's no less dear, gale, _ Hearken his trilling- ,Tis (rue enough ^ ^ ,anld List to his song when the moon- crown light is Pa^»~~ Twines but for the victor's Passionate, thrilling. brow" Cherish the lay, ere the lilt of it Fof many ^ herQ has ^ hIm ' down Love hath the voice of the nightin- ^ naught but thg cypress bough. Love hath the voice of the storm There are 2allant men 'm the los" at night, in2 Wildly defiant. And as Sallant deeds are done Hear him and yield up your soul ever graced the captured to his might, height Tenderly pliant. °r the battle Srandly won* None shall regret him who heed him aright; We sit at life's board with our Love hath the voice of the storm nerves highstrung, at night. And we play for the stake of Fame, And our odes are sung and our FAILS ^ " ^ banners hung For the man who wins the The world is a snob, and the man game. who wins But I have a song of another kind [tig] FOR THE MAN WHO PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Than breathes in these fame- wrought gales,— An ode to the noble heart and mind Of the gallant man who fails! The man who is strong to fight his fight, And whose will no front can daunt, If the truth be truth and the right be right, Is the man that the ages want. Tho' he fail and die in grim de¬ feat, Yet he has not fled the strife, And the house of Earth will seem more sweet For the perfume of his life. HARRIET BEECHER STOWE She told the story, and the whole world wept At wrongs and cruelties it had not known But for this fearless woman's voice alone. She spoke to consciences that long had slept: Her message, Freedom's clear reveille, swept From heedless hovel to compla¬ cent throne. Command and prophecy were in the tone [I And from its sheath the sword of justice leapt. Around two peoples swelled a fiery wave, But both came forth transfig¬ ured from the flame. Blest be the hand that dared be strong to save, And blest be she who in our weakness came — r Prophet and priestess! At one stroke she gave A race to freedom and herself to fame. VAGRANTS Long time ago, we two set out, My soul and I. I know not why, For all our way was dim with doubt. I know not where We two may fare: Though still with every changing weather, We wander, groping on together. We do not love, we are not friends, My soul and I. He lives a lie; Untruth lines every way he wends. A scoffer he Who jeers at me: THE COMPLETE POEMS OF And so, my comrade and my brother, We wander on and hate each other. Ay, there be taverns and to spare, Beside the road; But some strange goad Lets me not stop to taste their fare. Knew I the goal Toward which my soul And I made way, hope made life fragrant: But no. We wander, aimless, va¬ grant ! A WINTER'S DAY Across the hills and down the narrow ways, And up the valley where the free winds sweep, The earth is folded in an er- mined sleep That mocks the melting mirth of myriad Mays. Departed her disheartening duns and grays, And all her crusty black is cov¬ ered deep. Dark streams are locked in Winter's donjon-keep, And made to shine with keen, un¬ wonted rays. [I O icy mantle, and deceitful snow! What world-old liars in your hearts ye are! Are there not still the darkened seam and scar Beneath the brightness that you fain would show? Come from the cover with thy blot and blur, O reeking Earth, thou whited sepulchre! MY LITTLE MARCH GIRL Come to the pane, draw the cur¬ tain apart, There she is passing, the girl of my heart; See where she walks like a queen in the street, Weather-defying, calm, placid and sweet. Tripping along with impetuous grace, Joy of her life beaming out of her face, Tresses all truant-like, curl upon curl, Wind-blown and rosy, my little March girl. Hint of the violet's delicate bloom, Hint of the rose's pervading per¬ fume! 20] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR How can the wind help from kiss- The stars were out and the moon ing her face,— it grew Wrapping her round in his stormy From a wee soft glimmer way out embrace ? But still serenely she laughs at his rout, She is the victor who wins in the bout. So may life's passions about her soul swirl, Leaving it placid,— my little March girl. in the blue To a bird thro' the heavens winging. She sang, and the song trembled down to my breast,— (It was sweet, so sweet the singing.) As a dove just out of its fledgling nest, What self-possession looks out of An ^ be braye cent brow? Blow, Wind, and grow, Wind, and eddy and swirl, But bring her to me, Wind,— my little March girl.- REMEMBERED She sang, and I listened the whole song thro'. (It was sweet, so sweet, the singing.) and strong For the sake of those words a-winging. The woman died and the song was still. (It was sweet, so sweet, the singing.) But ever I hear the same low trill, Of the song that shakes my heart with a thrill, And goes forever winging. [I2l] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF LOVE DESPOILED As lone I sat one summer's day, With mien dejected, Love came by; His face distraught, his locks astray, So slow his gait, so sad his eye, I hailed him with a pitying cry: " Pray, Love, what has disturbed thee so ? " Said I, amazed. " Thou seem'st bereft; And see thy quiver hanging low,— What, not a single arrow left? Pray, who is guilty of this theft? " Poor Love looked in my face and cried: " No thief were ever yet so bold To rob my quiver at mj£ side. But Time, who rules, gave ear to Gold, And all my goodly shafts are sold." THE LAPSE This poem must be done to-day; Then, I '11 e'en to it. I must not dream my time away,— I'm sure to rue it. The day is rather bright, I know The Muse will pardon [i My half-defection, if I go Into the garden. It must be better working there,— I'm sure it's sweeter: And something in the balmy air May clear my metre. [In the Garden.] Ah this is noble, what a sky! What breezes blowing! The very clouds, I know not why, Call one to rowing. The stream will be a paradise To-day, I '11 warrant. I know the tide that's on the rise Will seem a torrent; I know just how the leafy boughs Are all a-quiver; I know how many skiffs and scows Are on the river. I think I '11 just go out awhile Before I write it; When Nature shows us such a smile, We should n't slight it. For Nature always makes desire By giving pleasure; And so 'twill help me put more fire Into my measure. {On the River.] The river's fine, I'm glad I came, That poem's teasing; But health is better far than fame, Though cheques are pleasing. »] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR I don't know what I did it for,— This air's a poppy. I'm sorry for my editor,— He '11 get no copy! THE WARRIOR'S PRAYER Long since, in sore distress, I heard one pray, " Lord, who prevailest with re¬ sistless might, Ever from war and strife keep me away, My battles fight! " I know not if I play the Pharisee, And if my brother after all be right; But mine shall be the warrior's plea to thee — Strength for the fight. I do not ask that thou shalt front the fray, And drive the warring foeman from my sight; I only ask, O Lord, by night, by day, Strength for the fight! When foes upon me press, let me not quail Nor think to turn me into coward flight. I only ask, to make mine arms prevail, Strength for the fight! [i Still let mine eyes look ever on the foe, Still let mine armor case me strong and bright; And grant me, as I deal each right¬ eous blow, Strength for the fight! And when, at eventide, the fray is done, My soul to Death's bedchamber do thou light, And give me, be the field or lost or won, Rest from the fight! FAREWELL TO ARCADY With sombre mien, the Evening gray Comes nagging at the heels of Day, And driven faster and still faster Before the dusky-mantled Master, The light fades from her fearful eyes, She hastens, stumbles, falls, and dies. Beside me Amaryllis weeps; The swelling tears obscure the deeps Of her dark eyes, as, mistily, The rushing rain conceals the sea. Here, lay my tuneless reed away,— I have no heart to tempt a lay. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF I scent the perfume of the rose Which by my crystal fountain grows. In this sad .time, are roses blow¬ ing? And thou, my fountain, art thou flowing, While I who watched thy waters spring Am all too sad to smile or sing? Nay, give me back my pipe again, It yet shall breathe this single strain: Farewell to Arcady! THE VOICE OF THE BANJO In a small and lonely cabin out of noisy traffic's way, Sat an old man, bent and feeble, dusk of face, and hair of gray, And beside him on the table, bat¬ tered, old, and worn as he, Lay a banjo, droning forth this reminiscent melody: " Night is closing in upon us, friend of mine, but don't be sad; Let us think of all the pleasures and the joys that we have had. Let us keep a merry visage, and be happy till the last, Let the future still be sweetened with the honey of the past. [i "For I speak to you of summer nights upon the yellow sand, When the Southern moon was sailing high and silvering all the land; And if love tales were not sacred, there's a tale that I could tell Of your many nightly wanderings with a dusk and lovely belle. "And I speak to you of care-free songs when labour's hour was o'er, And a woman waiting for your step outside the cabin door, And of something roly-poly that you took upon your lap, While you listened for the stum¬ bling, hesitating words, ' Pap, pap.' " I could tell you of a 'possum hunt across the wooded grounds, I could call to mind the sweetness of the baying of the hounds, You could lift me up and smelling of the timber that's in me, Build again a whole green forest with the mem'ry of a tree. " So the future cannot hurt us while we keep the past in mind, What care I for trembling fingers, — what care you that you are blind ? PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Time may leave us poor and stranded, circumstance may make us bend; But they '11 only find us mellower, won't they, comrade ? — in the end." THE STIRRUP CUP Come, drink a stirrup cup with me, Before we close our rouse. You're all aglow with wine, I know: The master of the house, Unmindful of our revelry, Has drowned the carking devil care, And slumbers in his chair. Come, drink a cup before we start; We've far to ride to-night. And Death may take the race we make, And check our gallant flight: But even he must play his part, And tho' the look he wears be grim, We'll drink a toast to him! For Death,— a swift old chap is he, And swift the steed He rides. He needs no chart o'er main or mart, For no direction bides. So, come, a final cup with me, And let the soldiers' chorus swell,— To hell with care, to hell! A CHOICE They please me not — these solemn songs That hint of sermons covered up. 'T is true the world should heed its wrongs, But in a poem let me sup, Not simples brewed to cure or ease " Humanity's confessed disease, But the- spirit-wine of a singing line, Or a dew-drop in a honey cup! [I2S] HUMOUR AND DIALECT THEN AND NOW then He loved her, and through many years, Had paid his fair devoted court, Until she wearied, and with sneers Turned all his ardent love to sport. That night within his chamber lone, He long sat writing by his bed A note in which his heart made moan For love; the morning found him dead. now Like him, a man of later day Was jilted by the maid he sought, And from her presence turned away, Consumed by burning, bitter thought. He sought his room to write — a curse Like him before and die, I ween. Ah no, he put his woes in verse, And sold them to a magazine. And made the pond'rous crusty sage The object of a noble rage. Nor did I think (How dense we are!) That any day, however far, Would find me holding, unre- pelled, The place that Doctor Johnson held! But change has come and time has moved, And now, applauded, unreproved, I hold, with pardonable pride, The place that Johnson occupied. Conceit! Presumption! What is this? You surely read my words amiss; Like Johnson I,— a man of mind! How could you ever be so blind? No. At the ancient " Cheshire Cheese," Blown hither by some vagrant breeze, To dignify my shallow wit, In Doctor Johnson's seat I sit! AT CHESHIRE CHEESE When first of wise old Johnson taught, My youthful mind its homage brought, MY CORN-COB PIPE Men may sing of their Hav&nas, elevating to the stars The real or fancied virtues of their foreign-made cigars; [129] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF But I worship Nicotina at a dif¬ ferent sort of shrine, And she sits enthroned in glory in this corn-cob pipe of mine. It's as fragrant as the meadows when the clover is in bloom; It's as dainty as the essence of the daintiest perfume; It's as sweet as are the orchards when the fruit is hanging ripe, With the sun's warm kiss upon them — is this corn-cob pipe. Thro' the smoke about it clinging, I delight its form to trace, Like an oriental beauty with a veil upon her face; And my room is dim with vapour as a church when censers sway, As I clasp it to my bosom —' in a figurative way. It consoles me in misfortune and it cheers me in distress, And it proves a warm partaker of my pleasures in success; So I hail it as a symbol, friendship's true and worthy type, And I press my lips devoutly to my corn-cob pipe. IN AUGUST When August days are hot an' dry, "\YJieq burning copper is the sky, I'd rather fish than feast or fly In airy realms serene and high. I'd take a suit not made for looks, Some easily digested books, Some flies, some lines, some bait. some hooks, Then would I seek the bays and brooks. I would eschew mine every task, In Nature's smiles my soul should bask, And I methinks no more could ask, Except — perhaps — one little flask. In case of accident, you know, Or should the wind come on to blow, Or I be chilled or capsized, so, A flask would be the only go. Then could I spend a happy time,— A bit of sport, a bit of rhyme (A bit of lemon, or of lime, To make my bottle's contents prime). When August days are hot an' dry, I won't sit by an' sigh or die, I '11 get my bottle (on the sly) And go ahead, and fish, and lie J PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE DISTURBER Oh, what shall I do ? I am wholly upset; I am sure I '11 be jailed for a lunatic yet. I '11 be out of a job — it's the thing to expect When I'm letting my duty go by with neglect. You may judge the extent and de¬ gree of my plight When I'm thinking all day and a-dreaming all night, And a-trying my hand at a rhyme on the sly, All on account of a sparkling eye. There are those who say men should be strong, well-a-da^! But what constitutes strength in a man? Who shall say? I am strong as the most when it comes to the arm. I have aye held my own on the playground or farm. And when I've been tempted, I have n't been weak; But now — why, I tremble to hear a maid speak. I used to be bold, but now I Ve grown shy, And all on account of a sparkling eye. There once was a time when my heart was devout, to But now my religion is open to doubt. When parson is earnestly preach¬ ing of grace, My fancy is busy with drawing a face, Thro' the back of a bonnet most piously plain; ' I draw it, redraw it, and draw it again.' While the songs and the sermon unheeded go by,— All on account of a sparkling eye. Oh, dear little conjurer, give o'er your wiles, It is easy for you, you 're all blushes and smiles: But, love of my heart, I am sorely perplexed; I am smiling one minute and sigh¬ ing the next; And if it goes on, I '11 drop hackle and flail, And go to the parson and tell him my tale. I warrant he '11 find me a cure for the sigh That you 're aye bringing forth with the glance of your eye. EXPECTATION You'll be wonderin' whut's de reason I's a grinnin' all de time, An' I guess you t'ink my sperits Mus' be feelin' mighty prime, i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Well, I 'fess up, I is tickled As a puppy at his paws. But you need n't think I's crazy, I ain' laffin' 'dout a cause. You's a wonderin' too, I reckon, Why I does n't seem to eat, An' I notice you a lookin' Lak you felt completely beat When I 'fuse to tek de bacon, An' don' settle on de ham. Don' you feel no feah erbout me, Jes' keep eatin', an' be ca'm. Fu' I's waitin' an' I's watchin' 'Bout a little t'ing I see — D' othah night I's out a walkin' An' I passed a 'simmon tree. Now I's whettin' up my hongry, An' I's laffin' fit to kill, Fu' de fros' done turned de 'sim- mons, An' de possum's eat his fill. He done go'ged hisse'f owdacious, An' he stayin' by de tree! Don' you know, ol' Mistah Pos¬ sum Dat you gittin' fat fu' me? 'T ain't no use to try to 'spute it, 'Case I knows you's gittin' sweet Wif dat 'simmon flavoh thoo you, So I's waitin' fu' yo' meat. An' some ebenin' me an Towsah Gwine to come an' mek a call, We jes' drap in onexpected Fu' to shek yo' han', dat's all. Oh, I knows dat you '11 be tickled, Seems lak I kin see you smile, So pu'haps I mought pu'suade you Fu' to visit us a while. LOVER'S LANE Summah night an' sighin' breeze, 'Long de lovah's lane; Frien'ly, shadder-mekin' trees, 'Long de lovah's lane. White folks' wo'k all done up gran'— Me an' 'Mandy han'-in-han' Struttin' lak we owned de lan', 'Long de lovah's lane. Owl a-settin' 'side de road, 'Long de lovah's lane, Lookin' at us lak he knowed Dis uz lovah's lane. Go on, hoot yo' mou'nful tune, You ain' nevah loved in June, An' come hidin' f'om de moon Down in lovah's lane. Bush it ben' an' nod an' sway, Down in lovah's lane, Try'n' to hyeah me whut I say 'Long de lovah's lane. But I whispahs low lak dis, An' my 'Mandy smile huh bliss — Mistah Bush he shek his fis', Down in lovah's lane. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Whut I keer ef day is long, Down in lovah's lane. I kin alius sing a song 'Long de lovah's lane. An' de wo'ds I hyeah an' say Meks up fu' de weary day W'en I's strollin' by de way, Down in lovah's lane. An' dis t'ought will alius rise Down in lovah's lane; Wondah whethah in de skies Dey's a lovah's lane. Ef dey ain't, I tell you true, 'Ligion do look mighty blue, 'Cause I do' know whut I'd do 'Dout a lovah's lane. PROTEST [Who say my hea't ain't true to you? Dey bettah heish dey mouf. I knows I loves you thoo an' thoo In watah time er drouf. I wush dese people'd stop dey talkin', Don't mean no mo' dan chicken's squawkin': I guess I knows which way I's walkin', I knows de norf f'om souf. I does not love Elizy Brown, I guess I knows my min'. You alius try to tek me down Wid evaht'ing you fin'. [i Ef dese hyeah folks will keep on fillin' Yo' haid wid nonsense, an' you's willin' I bet some day dey '11 be a killin' Somewhaih along de line. O' cose I buys de gal ice-cream, Whut else I gwine to do? I knows jes' how de t'ing 'u'd seem Ef I'd be sho't wid you., On Sunday, you's at chu'ch a-shoutin', Den all de week you go 'roun' poutin'— I's mighty tiahed o' all dis doubtin', I tell you cause I's true. HYMN O li'l' lamb out in de col', De Mastah call you to de fol', O li'l' lamb! He hyeah you bleatin' on de hill; Come hyeah an' keep yo' mou'nin' still, O li'l' lamb! De Mastah sen' de Shepud fo'f; He wandah souf, he wandah no'f, O li'l' lamb! He wandah eas\ he wandah wes' ; De win' a-wrenchin' at his breas', O li'l' lamb! THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Oh, tell de Shepud whaih you hide; He want you walkin' by his side, OliTlamb! He know you weak, he know you so'; But come, don' stay away no mo', O liT lamb! An' af'ah while de lamb he hyeah De Shepud's voice a-callin' cleah — Sweet liT lamb! He answah f'om de brambles thick, " O Shepud, I's a-comin' quick "— OliTlamb! LITTLE BROWN BABY Little brown baby wif spa'klin' eyes, Come to yo' pappy an' set on his knee. Who is it all de day nevah once tries Fu' to be cross, er once loses dat smile ? Whah did you git dem teef ? My, you's a scamp! Whah did dat dimple come f'om in yo' chin? Pappy do' know you — I b'lieves you's a tramp ; Mammy, dis hyeah's some ol' straggler got in! Let's th'ow him outen de do' in de san', We do' want stragglers a-layin' 'roun' hyeah; Let's gin him 'way to de big buggah-man; I know he's hidin' erroun' hyeah right neah. What you been doin', suh — mak- Buggah-man, buggah-man, come in' san' pies? in de do', Look at dat bib — you's ez Hyeah's a bad boy you kin have fu' to eat. Mammy an' pappy do' want him no mo', Swaller him down f'om his haid to his feet! you du'ty ez me. Look at dat mouf — dat's mer- lasses, I bet; Come hyeah, Maria, an' wipe off his han's. Bees gwine to ketch you an' eat you up yit, Bein' so sticky an sweet — good¬ ness lan's! Little brown baby wif spa'klin' eyes, Who's pappy's darlin' an' who's pappy's chile ? Dah, now, I t'ought dat you'd hug me up close. Go back, ol' buggah, you sha'n't have dis boy. He ain't no tramp, ner no strag¬ gler,, of co'se; He's pappy's pa'dner an' play¬ mate an' joy. [134] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Come to you' pallet now — go to yo' res'; Wisht you could alius know ease an' cleah skies; Wisht you could stay jes' a chile on my breas'— Little brown baby wif spa'klin' eyes! TIME TO TINKER 'ROUN'! SuMMAH's nice, wif sun a-shinin', Spring is good wif greens and grass, An' dey's some t'ings nice 'bout wintah, Dough hit brings de freezin' bias; But de time dat is de fines', Whethah fiel's is green er brown, Is w'en de rain's a-po'in' An' dey's time to tinker 'roun. Den you men's de mule's ol' ha'ness, An' you men's de broken chair. Hummin' all de time you's wo'kin' Some ol' common kind o' air. Evah now an' then you looks out, Tryin' mighty ha'd to frown, But you cain't, you's glad hit's rainin', An' dey's time to tinker 'roun'. Oh, you 'ten's lak you so anxious Evah time it so't o' stops. [i W'en hit goes on, den you reckon Dat de wet '11 he'p de crops. But hit ain't de crops you's aftah; You knows w'en de rain comes down Dat's hit's too wet out fu' wo'kin', An' dey's time to tinker roun'. Oh, dey's fun inside de co'n-crib, An' dey's laffin' at de ba'n; An' dey's alius some one jokin', Er some one to tell a ya'n. Dah's a quiet in yo' cabin, Only fu' de rain's sof' soun'; So you's mighty blessed happy W'en dey's time to tinker 'roun'! THE REAL QUESTION Folks is talkin' 'bout de money, 'bout de silvah an' de gold; All de time de season's changin' an' de days is gittin' cold. An' dey's wond'rin' 'bout de metals, whethah we'll have one er two. While de price o' coal is risin' an' dey's two months' rent dat's due. Some folks says dat gold's de only money dat is wuff de name, Den de othahs rise an' tell 'em dat dey ought to be ashame, THE COMPLETE POEMS OF An' dat silvah is de only thing to save us f'om de powah Of de gold-bug ragin' 'roun' an' seekin' who he may de- vow ah. Well, you folks kin keep on shoutin' wif yo' gold er silvah cry, But I tell you people hams is sceerce an' fowls is roostin' high. An' hit ain't de so't o' money dat is pesterin' my min', But de question I want answehed's how to get at any kin'! JILTED Lucy done gone back on me, Dat's de way wif life. Evaht'ing was movin' free, T'ought I had my wife. Den some dahky comes along, Sings my gal a little song, Since den, evaht'ing's gone wrong, Evah day dey's strife. Somep'n's wrong erbout my lung, An' I's glad hit's so. Doctah says 'at I '11 die young, Well, I wants to go! Whut's de use o' livin' hyeah, W'en de gal you loves so deah, Goes back on you clean an' cleah — I sh'd like to know? THE NEWS Whut dat you whisperin' keepin' f'om me? Don't shut me out 'cause I's ol' an' can't see. Somep'n's gone wrong dat's a-causin' you dread,— Don't be afeared to tell — Whut! mastah dead? Somebody brung de news early to-day,— One of de sojers he led, do you say? Didn't he foller whah ol' mastah lead? How kin he live w'en his leadah is dead? Did n't answeh me to-day, W'en I called huh name, Would you t'ink she'd ac' dat way W'en I ain't to blame? Dat's de way dese women do, W'en dey fin's a fellow true, Den dey 'buse him thoo an' thoo; Well, hit's all de same. [i Let me lay down awhile, dah by his bed; I wants to t'ink,— hit ain't cleah in my head: — Killed while a-leadin' his men into fight,— Dat's whut you said, ain't it, did I hyeah right? PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Mastah, my mastah, dead dah in de fiel'? Lif' me up some,— dah, jes' so I kin kneel. I was too weak to go wid him, dey said, Well, now I '11 — fin' him — so — mastah is dead. Yes, suh, I's comin' ez fas' ez I kin,— 'T was kin' o' da'k, but hit's lightah agin: P'omised yo' pappy I'd alius tek keer Of you,— yes, mastah,— I's fol- lerin',— hyeah! CHRISMUS ON THE PLAN¬ TATION It was Chrismus Eve, I mind hit fu' a mighty gloomy day — Bofe de weathah an' de people — not a one of us was gay; Cose you '11 t'ink dat's mighty funny 'twell I try to mek hit cleah, Fu' a da'ky's alius happy when de holidays is neah. But we wasn't, fu' dat mo'nin' Mastah'd tol' us we mus' go, He'd been payin' us sence free¬ dom, but he could n't pay no mo'; [i He wa'n't nevah used to plannin* 'fo' he got so po' an' ol', So he gwine to give up tryin', an' de homestead mus' be sol'. I kin see him stan'in' now erpon de step ez cleah ez day, Wid de win' a-kind o' fondlin' thoo his haih all thin an' gray; An' I 'membah how he trimbled when he said, " It's ha'd fu' me, Not to mek yo' Chrismus brightah, but I 'low it wa'n't to be." All de women was a-cryin', an' de men, too, on de sly, An' I noticed somep'n shinin' even in ol' Mastah's eye. But we all stood still to listen ez ol' Ben come f'om de crowd An' spoke up, a-try'n' to steady down his voice and mek it loud: — x( Look hyeah, Mastah, I's been servin' you' fu' lo! dese many yeahs, An' now, sence we's got freedom an' you's kind o' po', hit 'pears Dat you want us all to leave you 'cause you don't t'ink you can pay. Ef my membry hasn't fooled me, seem dat whut I hyead you say. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF " Er in othah wo'ds, you wants us to fu'git dat you's been kin', An' ez soon ez you is he'pless, we's to leave you hyeah behin'. Well, ef dat's de way dis freedom ac's on people, white er black, You kin jes' tell Mistah Lincum fu' to tek his freedom back. " We gwine wo'k dis ol' planta¬ tion fu' whatevah we kin git, Fu' I know hit did suppo't us, an' de place kin do it yit. Now de land is yo's, de hands is ouahs, an' I reckon we '11 be brave, An' we '11 bah ez much ez you do w'en we has to scrape an' save." Ol' Mastah stood dah trimblin', but a-smilin' thoo his teahs, An' den hit seemed jes' nachul- like, de place fah rung wid cheahs, An' soon ez dey was quiet, some one sta'ted sof' an' low: " Praise God," an' den we all jined in, " from whom all blessin's flow! " Well, dey was n't no use tryin', ouah min's was sot to stay, An' po' ol' Mastah could n't plead ner baig, ner drive us 'way, An' all at once, hit seemed to us, de day was bright agin, So evahone was gay dat night, an' watched de Chrismus in. [i ANGELINA When de fiddle gits to singin' out a ol' Vahginny reel, An' you 'mence to feel a ticklin' in yo' toe an' in yo' heel; Ef you t'ink you got 'uligion an' you wants to keep it, too, You jes' bettah tek a hint an' git yo'self clean out o' view. Case de time is mighty temptin' when de chune is in de swing, Fu* a darky, saint or sinner man, to cut de pigeon-wing. An' you couldn't he'p f'om danc- in' ef yo' feet was boun' wif twine, When Angelina Johnson comes a-swingin' down de line. Don't you know Miss Angelina? She's de da'lin' of de place. W'y, dey ain't no high-toned lady wif sich mannahs an' sich grace. She kin move across de cabin, wif its planks all rough an' wo'; Jes' de same 's ef she was dancin' on ol' mistus' ball-room flo'. Fact is, you do' see no cabin — evaht'ing you see look grand, An' dat one ol' squeaky fiddle soun' to you jes' lak a ban'; Cotton britches look lak broadclof an' a linsey dress look fine, When Angelina Johnson comes a-swingin' down de line. 38] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Some folks say dat dancin's sin¬ ful, an' de blessed Lawd, dey say, Gwine to punish us fu' steppin' w'en we hyeah de music play. But I tell you I don' b'lieve it, fu' de Lawd is wise and good, An' he made de banjo's metal an' he made de fiddle's wood, An' he made de music in dem, so I don' quite t'ink he '11 keer Ef our feet keeps time a little to de melodies we hyeah. W'y, dey's somep'n' downright holy in de way our faces shine, When Angelina Johnson comes a-swingin' down de line. Angelina steps so gentle, Angelina bows so low, An' she lif' huh sku't so dainty dat huh shoetop skacely show: An' dem teef o' huh'n a-shinin', ez she tek you by de han'— Go 'way, people, d' ain't anothah sich a lady in de lan'! When she's movin' thoo de figgers er a-dancin' by huhse'f, Folks jes' stan' stock-still a-sta'- in', an' dey mos' nigh hoi's dey bref; An' de young mens, dey's a-sayin', " I's gwine mek dat damsel mine," When Angelina Johnson comes a-swingin' down de line. FOOLIN' WID DE SEASONS Seems lak folks is mighty curus In de way dey t'inks an' ac's. Dey jes' spen's dey days a-mixin' Up de t'ings in almanacs. Now, I min' my nex' do' neigh¬ bour,— He's a mighty likely man, But he nevah t'inks o' nuffin 'Ceptin' jes' to plot an' plan. All de wintah he was plannin' How he'd gethah sassafras Jes' ez soon ez evah Springtime Put some greenness in de grass. An' he 'lowed a little soonah He could stan' a coolah breeze So's to mek a little money F'om de sugah-watah trees. In de summah, he'd be waihin' Out de linin' of his soul, Try 'n' ca'ci'late an' fashion How he'd git his wintah coal; An' I b'lieve he got his jedgement Jes' so tuckahed out an' thinned Dat he t'ought a robin's whistle Was de whistle of de wind. Why won't folks gin up dey plan¬ nin', An' jes' be content to know Dat dey's gittin' all dat's fu' dem In de days dat come an' go? Why won't folks quit movin' for- rard? Ain't hit bettah jes' to stan' THE COMPLETE POEMS OF An' be satisfied wid livin' In de season dat's at han' ? Hit's enough fu' me to listen W'en de birds is singin' 'roun', 'Dout a-guessin' whut '11 happen W'en de snow is on de groun'. In de Springtime an' de summah, I lays sorrer on de she'f; An' I knows ol' Mistah Wintah Gwine to hustle fu' hisse'f. We been put hyeah fu' a pu'pose, But de questun dat has riz An' made lots o' people diffah Is jes' whut dat pu'pose is. Now, accordin' to my reas'nin', Hyeah's de p'int whaih I's arriv, Sence de Lawd put life into us, We was put hyeah fu' to live! MY SORT O' MAN I don't believe in 'ristercrats An' never did, you see; The plain ol' homelike sorter folks Is good enough fur me. O' course, I don't desire a man To be too tarnal rough, But then, I think all folks should know When they air nice enough. Now there is folks in this here world, From peasant up to king, [i Who want to be so awful nice They overdo the thing. That's jest the thing that makes me sick, An' quicker 'n a wink I set it down that them same folks Ain't half so good 's you think. I like to see a man dress nice, In clothes becomin' too; I like to see a woman fix As women orter to do; An' boys an' gals I like to see Look fresh an' young an' spry,— We all must have our vanity An' pride before we die. . But I jedge no man by his clothes,— Nor gentleman nor tramp; The man that wears the finest suit May be the biggest scamp, An' he whose limbs air clad in rags That make a mournful sight, In life's great battle may have proved A hero in the fight. I don't believe in 'ristercrats; I like the honest tan That lies upon the healthful cheek An' speaks the honest man; I like to grasp the brawny hand That labor's lips have kissed, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR For he who has not labored here Life's greatest pride has missed: The pride to feel that yore own strength Has cleaved fur you the way To heights to which you were not born, But struggled day by day. What though the thousands sneer an' scoff, An' scorn yore humble birth? Kings are but puppets; you are king By right o' royal worth. The man who simply sits an' waits Fur good to come along, Ain't worth the breath that one would take To tell him he is wrong. Fur good ain't flovrin' round this world Fur every fool to sup; You 've got to put yore see-ers on, An' go an' hunt it up. Good goes with honesty, I say, To honour an' to bless; To rich an' poor alike it brings A wealth o' happiness. The 'ristercrats ain't got it all, Fur much to their su'prise, That's one of earth's most blessed things They can't monopolize. POSSUM Ef dey's anyt'ing dat riles me An' jes' gits me out o' hitch, Twell I want to tek my coat off, So's to r'ar an' t'ar an' pitch, Hit's to see some ign'ant white man 'Mittin' dat owdacious sin — W'en he want to cook a possum Tekin' off de possum's skin. W'y dey ain't no use in talkin', Hit jes' hu'ts me to de hea't Fu' to see dem foolish people Th'owin' 'way de fines' pa't. W'y, dat skin is jes' ez tendah An' ez juicy ez kin be; I knows all erbout de critter — Hide an' haih — don't talk to me! Possum skin is jes lak shoat skin; Jes' you swinge an' scrope it down, Tek a good sha'p knife an' sco' it, Den you bake it good an' brown. Huh-uh! honey, you's so happy Dat yo' thoughts is 'mos' a sin When you's settin' dah a-chawin' On dat possum's cracklin' skin. White folks t'ink dey know 'bout eatin', An' I reckon dat dey do Sometimes git a little idee Of a middlin' dish er two; THE COMPLETE POEMS OF But dey ain't a t'ing dey knows of Dat I reckon cain't be beat Wen we set down at de table To a unskun possum's meat! ON THE ROAD I's boun' to see my gal to-night — Oh, lone de way, my dearie! De moon ain't out, de stars ain't bright — Oh, lone de way, my dearie! Dis hoss o' mine is pow'ful slow, But when I does git to yo' do' Yo' kiss '11 pay me back, an' mo', Dough lone de way, my dearie. De night is skeery-lak an' still — Oh, lone de way, my dearie! 'Cept fu' dat mou'nful whippo'- will — Oh, lone de way, my dearie! De way so long wif dis slow pace, 'T 'u'd seem to me lak savin' grace Ef you was on a nearer place, Fu' lone de way, my dearie. I hyeah de hootin' of de owl — Oh, lone de way, my dearie! I wish dat watch-dog would n't howl — Oh, lone de way, my dearie! An' evaht'ing, bofe right an' lef', Seem p'int'ly lak hit put itse'f In shape to skeer me half to def — Qh? Ipne de way, my dearie! I whistles so's I won't be feared —' Oh lone de way, my dearie! But anyhow I's kin' o' skeered, Fu' lone de way, my dearie. De sky been lookin' mighty glum, But you kin mek hit lighten some, Ef you '11 jes' say you's glad I come, Dough lone de way, my dearie. A DEATH SONG Lay me down beneaf de willers in de grass, Whah de branch '11 go a-singin' as it pass. An' w'en I's a-layin' low, I kin hyeah it as it go Singin', " Sleep, my honey, tek yo' res' at las'." Lay me nigh to whah hit meks a little pool, An' de watah stan's so quiet lak an' cool, Whah de little birds in spring, Ust to come an' drink an' sing, An' de chillen waded on dey way to school. Let me settle w'en my shouldahs draps dey load Nigh enough to hyeah de noises in de road; Fu' I t'ink de las' long res' Gwine to soothe my sperrit bes' Ef I's layin' 'mong de t'ings I '§ alius knowed, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR A BACK-LOG SONG De axes has been ringin' in de woods de blessid day, An' de chips has been a-fallin' fa' an' thick; Dey has cut de bigges' hick'ry dat de mules kin tote away, An' dey's laid hit down and soaked it in de crik. Den dey tuk hit to de big house an' dey piled de wood erroun' In de fiah-place f'om ash-flo' to de flue, While ol' Ezry sta'ts de hymn dat evah yeah has got to soun' When de back-log fus' com¬ mence a-bu'nin' thoo. Ol' Mastah is a-smilin' on de daTdes f'om de hall, Ol' Mistus is a-stannin' in de do', An' de young folks, males an' misses, is a-tryin', one an' all, Fu' to mek us feel hit's Chris- mus time fu' sho'. An' ouah hea'ts are full of pleasure, fu' we know de time is ouahs Fu' to dance er do jes' whut we wants to do. An' dey ain't no ovahseer an' no othah kind o' powahs Dat kin stop us while dat log is bu'nin thoo. Dey's a-wokin' in de qua'tahs a- preparin' fu' de feas', So de little pigs is feelin' kind o' shy. De chickens ain't so trus'ful ez dey was, to say de leas', An' de wise ol' hens is roostin' mighty high. You could n't git a gobblah fu' to look you in de face — I ain't sayin' whut de tu'ky 'spects is true; But hit's mighty dange'ous trav'- lin' fu' de critters on de place F'om de time dat log commence a bu'nin' thoo. Some one's tunin' up his fiddle dah, I hyeah a banjo's ring, An', bless me, dat's de tootin' of a ho'n! Now dey '11 evah one be runnin' dat has got a foot to fling, An' dey '11 dance an' frolic on f'om now 'twell mo'n. Plunk de banjo, scrap de fiddle, blow dat ho'n yo' level bes', Keep yo' min' erpon de chune an' step it true. Oh, dey ain't no time fu' stoppin' an' dey ain't no time fu' res', Fu' hit's Chrismus an' de back¬ log 's bu'nin' thoo J [H3] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF LULLABY Bedtime's come fu' little boys. Po' little lamb. Too tiahed out to make a noise, Po' little lamb. You gwine t' have to-morrer sho'? Yes, you tole me dat befo', Don't you fool me, chile, no mo', Po' little lamb. You been bad de livelong day, Po' little lamb. Th'owin' stones an' runnin' 'way, Po' little lamb. My, but you's a-runnin' wil', Look jes' lak some po' folks chile; Mam' gwine whup you atter while, Po' little lamb. Come hyeah! you mos' tiahed to def, Po' little lamb. Played yo'se'f clean out o' bref, Po' little lamb. See dem han's now — sich a sight! Would you evah b'lieve dey's white? Stan' still twell I wash 'em right, Po' little lamb. Jes' cain't hoi' yo' haid up straight, Po' little lamb. Had n't oughter played so late, Po' little lamb. Mammy do' know whut she'd do, Ef de chillun's all lak you; You's a caution now fu' true, Po' little lamb. [i Lay yo' haid down in my lap, Po' little lamb. Y' ought to have a right good slap, Po' little lamb. You been runnin' roun' a heap. Shet dem eyes an' don't you peep, Dah now, dah now, go to sleep, Po' little lamb. THE PHOTOGRAPH See dis pictyah in my han' ? Dat's my gal; Ain't she purty? goodness lan'! Huh name Sal. Dat's de very way she be — Kin' o' tickles me to see Huh a-smilin' back at me. She sont me dis photygraph Jes' las' week; An' aldough hit made me laugh — My black cheek Felt somethin' a-runnin' queer; Bless yo' soul, it was a tear Jes' f'om wishin' she was here. Often when I's all alone Layin' here, I git t'inkin' 'bout my own Sallie dear; How she say dat I's huh beau, An' hit tickles me to know Dat de gal do love me so. Some bright day I's goin' back, Fo' de la! PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR An' ez sho' 's my face is black, Ax huh pa Fu' de blessed little miss Who's a-smilin' out o dis Pictyah, lak she wan'ed a kiss! JEALOUS Hyeah come Caesar Higgins, Don't he think he's fine ? Look at dem new riggin's Ain't he tryin' to shine? Got a standin' collar An' a stove-pipe hat, I '11 jes' bet a dollar Some one gin him dat. Don't one o' you mention, Nothin' 'bout his does, Don't pay no attention, Er let on you knows. Dat he's got 'em on him, Why, 't '11 mek him sick, Jes go on an' sco'n him, My, ain't dis a trick! Look hyeah, whut's he doin' Lookin't' othah way? Dat ere move's a new one, Some one call him, " Say! " Can't you see no pusson — Puttin' on you' airs, Sakes alive, you's wuss'n Dese hyeah millionaires. Need n't git so flighty, Case you got dat suit. Dem does ain't so mighty,— Second hand to boot, I's a-tryin' to spite you! Full of jealousy! Look hyeah, man, I '11 fight you, Don't you fool wid me! PARTED De breeze is blowin' 'cross de bay. My lady, my lady; De ship hit teks me far away, My lady, my lady; Ole Mas' done sol' me down de stream; Dey tell me 't ain't so bad's hit seem, My lady, my lady. O' co'se I knows dat you '11 be true, My lady, my lady; But den I do' know whut to do, My lady, my lady; I knowed some day we'd have to pa't, But den hit put' nigh breaks my hea't, My lady, my lady. De day is long, de night is black, My lady, my lady; I know you '11 wait twell I come back, My lady, my lady; I '11 stan' de ship, I '11 stan' de chain, [145] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF But I '11 come back, my darlin' Jane, My lady, my lady. Jes' wait, jes' b'lieve in whut I say, My lady, my lady; D' ain't nothin' dat kin keep me 'way, My lady, my lady; A man's a man, an' love is love; God knows ouah hea'ts, my little dove; He '11 he'p us f'om his th'one above, My lady, my lady. TEMPTATION I done got 'uligion, honey, an' I's happy ez a king; Evahthing I see erbout me's jes' lak sunshine in de spring; An' it seems lak I do' want to do anothah blessid thing But jes' run an' tell de neighbours, an' to shout an' pray an' sing. I done shuk my fis' at Satan, an' I's gin de worl' my back; I do' want no hendrin' causes now a-both'rin' in my track; Fu' I's on my way to glory, an' I feels too sho' to miss. W'y, dey ain't no use in sinnin' when 'uligion's sweet ez dis. [i Talk erbout a man backslidin' w'en he's on de gospel way; No, suh, I done beat de debbil, an' Temptation's los' de day. Gwine to keep my eyes right straight up, gwine to shet my eahs, an' see Whut ole projick Mistah Satan's gwine to try to wuk on me. Listen, whut dat soun' I hyeah dah? 'tain't no one commence to sing; It's a fiddle; git erway dah! don' you hyeah dat blessid thing ? W'y, dat's sweet ez drippin' honey, 'cause, you knows, I draws de bow, An' when music's sho' 'nough music, I's de one dat's sho' to know. W'y, I's done de double shuffle, twell a body could n't res', Jes' a-hyeahin' Sam de fiddlah play dat chune his level bes'; I could cut a mighty caper, I could gin a mighty fling Jes' right now, I's mo' dan suttain I could cut de pigeon wing. Look hyeah, whut's dis I's been sayin'? whut on urf's tuk holt o' me? Dat ole music come nigh runnin' my 'uligion up a tree! PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Cleah out wif dat dah ole fiddle, don' you try dat trick agin; Did n't think I could be tempted, but you lak to made me sin I POSSUM TROT I 've journeyed 'roun' consid'able, a-seein' men an' things, An' I've learned a little of the sense that meetin' people brings; But in spite of all my travelling an' of all I think I know, I've got one notion in my head, that I can't git to go; An' it is that the folks I meet in any other spot Ain't half so good as them I knowed back home in Possum Trot. I know you Ve never heerd the name, it ain't a famous place, An' I reckon ef you'd search the map you could n't find a trace Of any sich locality as this I've named to you; But never mind, I know the place, an' I love it dearly too. It don't make no pretensions to bein' great or fine, The circuses don't come that way, they ain't no railroad line. It ain't no great big city, where the schemers plan an' plot, [i But jest a little settlement, this place called Possum Trot. But don't you think the folks that lived in that outlandish place Were ignorant of all the things that go for sense or grace. Why, there was Hannah Dyer, you may search this teemin' earth An' never find a sweeter girl, er one o' greater worth; An' Uncle Abner Williams, a - leanin' on his staff, It seems like I kin hear him talk, an' hear his hearty laugh. His heart was big an' cheery as a sunny acre lot, Why, that's the kind o' folks we had down there at Possum Trot. Good times? Well, now, to suit my taste,— an' I'm some hard to suit,— There ain't been no sich pleasure sence, an' won't be none to boot, With huskin' bees in Harvest time, an' dances later on, An' singin' school, an taffy pulls, an' fun from night till dawn. Revivals come in winter time, bap- tizin's in the spring, You'd ought to seen those people shout, an' heerd 'em pray an' sing; 47] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF You'd ought to've heard ole Par¬ son Brown a-throwin' gospel shot Among the saints an' sinners in the days of Possum Trot. We live up in the city now, my wife was bound to come; I hear aroun' me day by day the endless stir an' hum. I reckon that it done me good, an' yet it done me harm, That oil was found so plentiful down there on my ole farm. We Ve got a new-styled preacher, our church is new-styled too, An' I've come down from what I knowed to rent a cushioned pew. But often when I'm settin' there, it's foolish, like as not, To think of them ol' benches in the church at Possum Trot. I know that I'm ungrateful, an' sich thoughts must be a sin, But I find myself a wishin' that the times was back agin. With the huskin's an' the frolics, an' the joys I used to know, When I lived at the settlement, a dozen years ago. I don't feel this way often, I'm scarcely ever glum, For life has taught me how to take her chances as they come. But now an' then my mind goes back to that ol' buryin' plot, That holds the dust of some I loved, down there at Possum Trot. DELY Jes' lak toddy wahms you thoo' Sets yo' haid a reelin', Meks you ovah good and new, Dat's de way I's feelin'. Seems to me hit's summah time, Dough hit's wintah reely, I's a feelin' jes' dat prime — An' huh name is Dely. Dis hyeah love's a cu'rus thing, Changes 'roun' de season, Meks you sad or meks you sing, 'Dout no urfly reason. Sometimes I go mopin' 'roun', Den agin I 's leapin'; Sperits alius up an' down Even when I's sleepin'. Fu' de dreams comes to me den, An' dey keeps me pitchin', Lak de apple dumplin's w'en Bilin' in de kitchen. Some one sot to do me hahm, . Tryin' to ovahcome me, Ketchin' Dely by de ahm So's to tek huh f'om me. Mon, you bettah b'lieve I fights (Dough hit's on'y seemin') ; I's a hittin' fu' my rights Even w'en I's dreamin'. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR But I'd let you have 'em all, Give 'em to you freely, Good an' bad ones, great an' small, So's you leave me Dely. Dely got dem meltin' eyes, Big an' black an' tendah. Dely jes' a lady-size, Delikit an' slendah. Dely brown ez brown kin be An' huh haih is curly; Oh, she look so sweet to me,— Bless de precious girlie! Dely brown ez brown kin be, She ain' no mullatter; She pure cullud,— don' you see Dat's jes' whut's de mattah? Dat's de why I love huh so, D' ain't no mix about huh, Soon's you see huh face you know D' ain't no chanst to doubt huh. Folks dey go to chu'ch an' pray So's to git a blessin'. Oomph, dey bettah come my way, Dey could lu'n a lesson. Sabbaf day I don' go fu', Jes' to see my pigeon; I jes' sets an' looks at huh, Dat's enuff 'uligion. BREAKING THE CHARM Caught Susanner whistlin'; well, It's most nigh too good to tell. 'Twould 'a' b'en too good to see Ef it had n't b'en fur me, Comin' up so soft an' sly That she didn' hear me nigh. I was pokin' 'round that day, An' ez I come down the way, First her whistle strikes my ears,— Then her gingham dress appears; So with soft step up I slips. Oh, them dewy, rosy lips! Ripe ez cherries, red an' round, Puckered up to make the sound. She was lookin' in the spring, Whistlin' to beat anything,— " Kitty Dale " er " In the Sweet." I was jest so mortal beat That I can't quite ricoleck What the toon was, but I 'speck 'T was some hymn er other, fur Hymny things is jest like her. Well she went on fur awhile With her face all in a smile, An' I never moved, but stood Stiller 'n a piece o' wood — Would n't wink ner would n't stir, But a-gazin' right at her, Tell she turns an' sees me — my! Thought at first she'd try to fly. But she blushed an' stood her ground. Then, a-slyly lookin' round, She says: " Did you hear me, Ben?" "Whistlin' woman, crowin' hen," Says I, lookin' awful stern. • Then the red commenced to burn In them cheeks o' hern. Why, la! Reddest red you ever saw — Pineys wa'n't a circumstance. [149 J THE COMPLETE POEMS OF You'd 'a' noticed in a glance She was pow'rful shamed an' skeart; But she looked so sweet an' peart, That a idee struck my head; So I up an' slowly said: "Woman whistlin' brings shore harm, Jest one thing '11 break the charm." "And what's that?" "Oh, my! " says I, " I don't like to tell you." " Why?" Says Susanner. " Well, you see It would kinder fall on me." Course I knowed that she'd in¬ sist,— So I says: " You must be kissed By the man that heard you whistle; Everybody says that this '11 Break the charm and set you free From the threat'nin' penalty." She was blushin' fit to kill, But she answered, kinder still: " I don't want to have no harm, Please come, Ben, an' break the charm." Did I break that charm? — oh, well, There's some things I must n't tell. I remember, afterwhile, Her a-sayin' with a smile: " Oh, you quit,— you sassy dunce, You jest caught me whistlin' once." Ev'ry sence that when I hear Some one whistlin' kinder clear, [i I most break my neck to see Ef it's Susy; but, dear me, I jest find I've b'en to chase Some blamed boy about the place. Dad's b'en noticin' my way, An' last night I heerd him say: "We must send fur Dr. Glenn, Mother; somethin's wrong with Ben!" HUNTING SONG Tek a cool night, good an* cleah, Skiff o' snow upon de groun'; Jes' 'bout fall-time o' de yeah W'en de leaves is dry an brown; Tek a dog an' tek a axe, Tek a lantu'n in yo' han', Step light whah de switches cracks, Fu' dey's huntin' in de lan\ Down thoo de valleys an' ovah de hills, Into de woods whah de 'simmon- tree grows, Wakin' an' skeerin' de po' whip- po'wills, Huntin' fu' coon an' fu' 'possum we goes. Blow dat ho'n dah loud an' strong, Call de dogs an' da'kies neah; Mek its music cleah an' long, So de folks at home kin hyeah. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Blow it twell de hills an' trees Sen's de echoes tumblin' back; Blow it twell de back'ard breeze Tells de folks we's on de track. Coons is a-ramblin' an' 'possums is out; Look at dat dog; you could set on his tail! iWatch him now — steady,—'min' — what you's about, Bless me, dat animal's got on de trail! Listen to him ba'kin now! Dat means bus'ness, sho's you bo'n; Ef he's struck de scent I 'low Dat ere 'possum's sholy gone. Knowed dat dog fu' fo'teen yeahs, An' I nevah seed him fail W'en he sot dem flappin' eahs An' went off upon a trail. Run, Mistah 'Possum, an' run, Mistah Coon, No place is safe fu' yo' ramblin' to-night; Mas' gin' de lantu'n an' God gin de moon, An' a long hunt gins a good ap¬ petite. Look hyeah,, folks, you hyeah dat change? Dat ba'k is sha'per dan de res'. Dat ere soun' ain't nothin' strange,— [i Dat dog's talked his level bes'. Somep'n' 's treed, I know de soun'. Dah now,— wha'd I tell you ? see! Dat ere dog done run him down; Come hyeah, he'p cut down dis tree. Ah, Mistah 'Possum, we got you at las'— Need n't play daid, laying dah on de groun'; Fros' an' de 'simmons has made you grow fas',— Won't he be fine when he's roasted up brown! A LETTER Dear Miss Lucy: I been t'inkin' dat I'd write you long fo' dis, But dis writin' 's mighty tejous, an* you know jes' how it is. But I's got a little lesure, so I teks my pen in han' Fu' to let you know my feelin's since I retched dis furrin' lan'. I's right well, I's glad to tell you (dough dis climate ain't to blame), An' I hopes w'en dese lines reach you, dat dey '11 fin' yo' se'f de same. Cose I 'se feelin kin' o' homesick — dat's ez nachul ez kin be, i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF W'en a feller's mo'n th'ee thou¬ sand miles across dat awful sea. (Don't you let nobidy fool you 'bout de ocean bein' gran'; If you want to see de billers, you jes' view dem f'om de lan'.) 'Bout de people? We been t'inkin' dat all white folks was alak; But dese Englishmen is diffunt, an' dey's curus fu' a fac\ Fust, dey's heavier an' redder in dey make-up an' dey looks, An' dey don't put salt nor pepper in a blessed t'ing dey cooks! W'en dey gin you good oP tu'nips, ca'ots, pa'snips, beets, an' sich, Ef dey ain't some one to tell you, you cain't 'stinguish which is which. W'en I t'ought I's eatin' chicken — you may b'lieve dis hyeah's a lie — But de waiter beat me down dat I was eatin' rabbit pie. An' dey'd t'ink dat you was crazy — jes' a reg'lar ravin' loon, Ef you'd speak erbout a 'possum or a piece o' good ol' coon. O, hit's mighty nice, dis trav'lin', an' I's kin' o' glad I come. But, I reckon, now I's willin' fu' to tek my way back home. I done see de Crystal Palace, an' I's hyeahd dey string-band play, But I has n't seen no banjos layin' nowhahs roun' dis way. Jes' gin ol' Jim Bowles a banjo, an' he'd not go very fu', 'Fo' he'd outplayed all dese fid¬ dlers, wif dey flourish and dey stir. Evahbiddy dat I's met wif has been monst'ous kin an' good; But I t'ink I'd lak it better to be down in Jones's wood, Where we ust to have sich frolics, Lucy, you an' me an' Nelse, Dough my appetite 'ud call me, ef dey was n't nuffin else. I'd jes' lak to have some sweet- pertaters roasted in de skin; I's a-longin' fu' my chittlin's an' my mustard greens ergin; I's a-wishin' fu' some buttermilk, an' co'n braid, good an' brown, An' a drap o' good ol' bourbon fu' to wash my feelin's down! An' I's comin' back to see you jes' as ehly as I kin, So you better not go spa'kin' wif dat wuffless scoun'el Quin! Well, I reckon, I mus' close now; write ez soon's dis reaches you; Gi' my love to Sistei Mandy an* to Uncle Isham, too. Tell de folks I sen' 'em howdy; gin a kiss to pap an' mam; Closin' I is, deah Miss Lucy, Still Yo' Own True-Lovin' Sam. [152] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR P. S. Ef you cain't mek out dis letter, lay it by erpon de she'f, An' when I git home, I '11 read it, darlin', to you my own se'f. CHRISMUS IS A-COMIN' Bones a-gittin' achy, Back a-feelin' col', Han's a-growin' shaky, Jes' lak I was ol'. Fros' erpon de meddah Lookin' mighty white; Snowdraps lak a feddah Slippin' down at night. Jes' keep t'ings a-hummin' Spite o' fros' an' showahs, Chrismus is a-comin' An' all de week is ouahs. Little mas' a-axin', "Who is Santy Claus?" Meks it kin' o' taxin' Not to brek de laws. Chillun's pow'ful tryin' To a pusson's grace W'en dey go a pryin' Right on th'oo you' face Down ermong yo' feelin's; Jes' 'pears lak dat you Got to change you' dealin's So's to tell 'em true. An' my pickaninny — Dreamin' in his sleep! Come hyeah, Mammy Jinny, Come an' tek a peep. [i Ol' Mas' Bob an' Missis In dey house up daih Got no chile lak dis is, D' ain't none anywhaih. Sleep, my little lammy, Sleep, you little limb, He do' know whut mammy Done saved up fu' him. Dey '11 be banjo pickin', Dancin' all night thoo. Dey '11 be lots o' chicken, Plenty tukky, too. Drams to wet yo' whistles So's to drive out chills. Whut I keer fu' drizzles Fallin' on de hills? Jes' keep t'ings a-hummin' Spite o' col' an' showahs, Chrismus day's a-comin', An' all de week is ouah® A CABIN TALE the young master asks for a story Whut you say, dah? huh, uh! chile, You's enough to dribe me wile. Want a sto'y; jes' hyeah dat! Whah' '11 I git a sto'y at? Di'n' I tell you th'ee las' night? Go 'way, honey, you ain't right. I got somep'n' else to do, 'Cides jes' tellin' tales to you. Tell you jes' one? Lem me see Whut dat one's a-gwine to be. 53] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF When you's ole, yo membry fails; Seems lak I do' know no tales. Well, set down dah in dat cheer, Keep still ef you wants to hyeah. Tek dat chin up off yo' han's, Set up nice now. Goodness lan's! Hoi' yo'se'f up lak yo' pa. Bet nobidy evah saw Him scrunched down lak you was den — High-tone boys meks high-tone men. Once dey was a ole black bah, Used to live 'roun' hyeah some- whah In a cave. He was so big He could ca'y off a pig Lak you picks a chicken up, Er yo' leetles' bit o' pup. An' he had two gread big eyes, Jes' erbout a saucer's size. Why, dey looked lak balls o' fiah Jumpin' 'roun' erpon a wiah W'en dat bah was mad; an' laws! But you ought to seen his paws! Did I see 'em? How you 'spec I's a-gwine to ricollec' Dis hyeah ya'n I's try'n' to spin Ef you keeps on puttin' in? You keep still an' don't you cheep Less I '11 sen' you off to sleep. Dis hyeah bah'd go trompin' 'roun' Eatin' evahthing he foun'; No one could n't have a fa'm But dat bah 'u'd do' em ha'm; [i And dey could n't ketch de scamp. Anywhah he wan'ed to tramp. Dah de scoun'el 'd mek his track, Do his du't an' come on back. He was sich a sly ole limb, Traps was jes' lak fun to him. Now, down neah whah Mistah Bah Lived, dey was a weasel dah; But dey wasn't fren's a-tall Case de weasel was so small. An' de bah 'u'd, jes' fu' sass, Tu'n his nose up w'en he'd pass. Weasels's small o' cose, but my! Dem air animiles is sly. So dis hyeah one says, says he, " I '11 jes' fix dat bah, you see." So he fixes up his plan An' hunts up de fa'merman. When de fa'mer see him come, He 'mence lookin' mighty glum, An' he ketches up a stick; But de weasel speak up quick: " Hoi' on, Mistah Fa'mer man, I wan' 'splain a little plan. Ef you waits, I '11 tell you whah An' jes' how to ketch ol' Bah. But I tell yow now you mus' Gin me one fat chicken fus\" Den de man he scratch his haid, Las' he say, " I'll mek de trade." So de weasel et his hen, Smacked his mouf and says, " Well, den, Set yo' trap an' bait ternight, An' I '11 ketch de bah all right." PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Den he ups an' goes to see Mistah Bah, an' says, says he: " Well, fren' Bah, we ain't been fren's, But ternight ha'd feelin' 'en's. Ef you ain't too proud to steal, We kin git a splendid meal. Cose I would n't come to you, But it mus' be done by two; Hit's a trap, but we kin beat All dey tricks an' git de meat." " Cose I's wif you," says de bah, " Come on, weasel, show me whah." Well, dey trots erlong ontwell Dat air meat beginned to smell In de trap. Den weasel say: " Now you put yo' paw dis way While I hoi' de spring back so, Den you grab de meat an' go." Well, de bah he had to grin Ez he put his big paw in, Den he juked up, but — kerbing! Weasel done let go de spring. " Dah now," says de weasel, " dah, I done cotched you, Mistah Bah! " O, dat bah did sno't and spout, Try'n' his bestes' to git out, But de weasel say, " Goo'-bye! Weasel small, but weasel sly." Den he tu'ned his back an' run Tol' de fa'mer whut he done. So de fa'mer come down dah, Wif a axe and killed de bah. Dah now, ain't dat sto'y fine? Run erlong now, nevah min'. [i Want some mo', you rascal, you? No, suh! no, suh! dat'11 do. AT CANDLE-LIGHTIN' TIME When I come in f'om de co'n-fiel' aftah wo'kin' ha'd all day, It's amazin' nice to fin' my sup- pah all erpon de way; An' it's nice to smell de coffee bubblin' ovah in de pot, An' it's fine to see de meat a - sizzlin' teasin'-lak an' hot. But when suppah-time is ovah, an' de t'ings is cleahed away; Den de happy hours dat foller are de sweetes' of de day. When my co'ncob pipe is sta'ted, an' de smoke is drawin' prime, My ole 'ooman says, " I reckon, Ike, it's candle-lightin' time." Den de chillun snuggle up to me, an' all commence to call, " Oh, say, daddy, now it's time to mek de shadders on de wall." So I puts my han's togethah — evah daddy knows de way,— An' de chillun snuggle closer roun' ez I begin to say: — " Fus' thing, hyeah come Mistah Rabbit; don' you see him wo'k his eahs? THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Huh, uh! dis mus' be a donkey,— look, how innercent he 'pears! Dah's de ole black swan a-swim- min'—ain't she got a' awful neck? Who's dis feller dat's a-comin' ? Why, dat's ole dog Tray, I 'spec'!" Dat's de way I run on, tryin' fu' to please 'em all I can; Den I hollahs, " Now be keerful — dis hyeah las' 's de buga- man! " An' dey runs an' hides dey faces; dey ain't skeered — dey's let- tin' on: But de play ain't raaly ovah twell dat buga-man is gone. So I jes' teks up my banjo, an' I plays a little chune, An' you see dem haids come peepin' out to listen mighty soon. Den my wife says, " Sich a pappy fu' to give you sich a fright! Jes, you go to baid, an' leave him: say yo' prayers an' say good¬ night." WHISTLING SAM I has hyeahd o' people dancin' an' I's hyeahd o' people singin'. An' I's been 'roun' lots of othahs dat could keep de banjo ringin'; [i But of all de whistlin' da'kies dat have lived an' died since Ham, De whistlin'est I evah seed was ol' Ike Bates's Sam. In de kitchen er de stable, in de fiel' er mowin' hay, You could hyeah dat boy a-whis- tlin' pu'ty nigh a mile er- way,— Puck'rin' up his ugly features 'twell you couldn't see his eyes, Den you'd hyeah a soun' lak dis un f'om dat awful puckah rise: When dey had revival meetin' an' de Lawd's good grace was flowin' On de groun' dat needed wat'rin' whaih de seeds of good was growin', While de othahs was a-singin' an' a-shoutin' right an' lef', You could hyeah dat boy a-whis- tlin' kin' o' sof' beneaf his bref: PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR At de call fu' colo'ed soldiers, Sam enlisted 'mong de res' Wid de blue o' Gawd's great ahmy wropped about his swellin' breas', An' he laffed an' whistled loudah in his youfful joy an' glee Dat de govament would let him he'p to mek his people free. Daih was lots o' ties to bin' him, pappy, mammy, an' his Dinah,— Dinah, min' you, was his sweet- hea't, an' dey was n't nary finah; But he Ief' 'em all, I tell you, lak a king he ma'ched away, Try'n' his level bes' to whistle, happy, solemn, choky, gay: Jr To de front he went an' bravely fought de foe an' kep' his sperrit, An' his comerds said his whistle made 'em strong when dey could hyeah it. When a saber er a bullet cut some frien' o' his'n down, An' de time 'u'd come to trench him an' de boys 'u'd gethah 'roun', [i An' dey could n't sta't a hymn- tune, mebbe none o' dem 'u'd keer, Sam 'u'd whistle " Sleep in Jesus," an' he knowed de Mastah'd hyeah. In de camp, all sad discouraged, he would cheer de hea'ts of all, When above de soun' of labour dey could hyeah his whistle call: When de cruel wah was ovah an' de boys come ma'chin' back, Dey was shouts an' cries an' blessin's all erlong dey happy track, An' de da'kies all was happy; souls an' bodies bofe was freed. Why, hit seemed lak de Redeemah mus' 'a' been on earf indeed. Dey was gethahed all one evenin' jes' befo' de cabin do', When dey hyeahd somebody whistlin' kin' o' sof' an' sweet an' low. Dey could n't see de whistlah, but de hymn was cleah and ca'm, An' dey all stood daih a-listenin' ontwell Dinah shouted, " Sam!" 57] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF An' dey seed a little da'ky way off yandah thoo de trees Wid his face all in a puckah mekin' jes' sich soun's ez dese: HOW LUCY BACKSLID De times is mighty stirrin' 'mong de people up ouah way, Dey 'sputin' an' dey argyin' an' fussin' night an' day; An' all dis monst'ous trouble dat hit meks me tiahed to tell Is 'bout dat Lucy Jackson dat was sich a mighty belle. She was de preachah's favoured, an' he tol' de chu'ch one night Dat she travelled thoo de cloud o' sin a-bearin' of a light; But, now, I 'low he t'inkin' dat she mus' 'a' los' huh lamp, Case Lucy done backslided an' dey trouble in de camp. Huh daddy wants to beat huh, but huh mammy daihs him to, Fu' she lookin' at de question f'om a ooman's pint o' view; An' she say dat now she would n't have it diff'ent ef she could; Dat huh darter only acted jes' lak any othah would. [i Cose you know w'en women argy, dey is mighty easy led By dey hea'ts an' don't go foolin' 'bout de reasons of de haid. So huh mammy laid de law down (she ain' reckernizin' wrong), But you got to mek erlowance fu' de cause dat go along. Now de cause dat made Miss Lucy fu' to th'ow huh grace away I's afeard won't baih no 'spection w'en hit come to jedgement day; Do' de same t'ing been a-wo'kin' evah sence de worl' began,— De ooman disobeyin' fu' to 'tice along a man. Ef you 'tended de revivals which we held de wintah pas', You kin rickolec' dat convuts was a-comin' thick an' fas'; But dey ain't no use in talkin', dey was all lef' in de lu'ch W'en ol' Mis' Jackson's dartah foun' huh peace an' tuk de chu'ch. W;y, she shouted ovah evah inch of Ebenezah's flo'; Up into de preachah's pulpit an' f'om dah down to de do'; Den she hugged an' squeezed huh mammy, an' she hugged an' kissed huh dad, An' she struck out at huh sistah, people said, lak she was mad. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR I has 'tended some revivals dat was lively in my day, An' I's seed folks git 'uligion in mos' evah kin' o' way; But I tell you, an' you b'lieve me dat I's speakin' true indeed, Dat gal tuk huh 'ligion ha'dah dan de ha'dest yit I's seed. Well, f'om dat, 't was " Sistah Jackson, won't you please do dis er dat ? " She mus' alius sta't de singin' w'en dey'd pass erroun' de hat, An' hit seemed dey was n't nuffin' in dat chu'ch dat could go by 'Dout sistah Lucy Jackson had a finger in de pie. But de sayin' mighty trufeful dat hit easiah to sail W'en de sea is ca'm an' gentle dan to weathah out a gale. Dat's whut made dis ooman's trouble; ef de sto'm had kep' away, She'd 'a' had enough 'uligion fu' to lasted out huh day. Lucy went wid 'Lishy Davis, but w'en she jined chu'ch, you know Dah was lots o' little places dat, of cose, she couldn't go; An' she had to gin up dancin' an' huh singin' an' huh play.— Now hit's nachul dat sich goin's- on 'u'd drive a man away. So, w'en Lucy got so solemn, Ike he sta'ted fu' to go Wid a gal who was a sinnah an' could mek a bettah show. Lucy jes' went on to meetin' lak she did n't keer a rap, But my 'sperunce kep' me t'inkin' dah was somep'n' gwine to drap. Fu' a gal won't let 'uligion er no othah so't o' t'ing Stop huh w'en she teks a notion dat she wants a weddin' ring. You kin p'omise huh de blessin's of a happy aftah life (An' hit's nice to be a angel), but she'd ravah be a wife. So w'en Chrismus come an' mas- tah gin a frolic on de lawn, Did n't 'sprise me not de littlest seein' Lucy lookin' on. An' I seed a wa'nin' lightnin' go a-flashin' f'om huh eye Jest ez 'Lishy an' his new gal went a-gallivantin' by. An' dat Tildy, umph! she giggled, an' she gin huh dress a flirt Lak de people she was passin' was ez common ez de dirt; An' de minit she was dancin', w'y dat gal put on mo' aihs Dan a cat a-tekin' kittens up a paih o' windin' staihs. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR She could 'fo'd to show huh sma'tness, fu' she could n't he'p but know Dat wid jes' de present dancahs she was ownah of de flo'; But I t'ink she'd kin' o' cooled down ef she happened on de sly Fu' to noticed dat 'ere lightnin' dat I seed in Lucy's eye. An' she would n't been so 'ston- ished w'en de people gin a shout, An' Lucy th'owed huh mantle back an' come a-glidin' out. Some ahms was dah to tek huh an' she fluttahed down de flo' Lak a feddah f'om a bedtick w'en de win' commence to blow. Soon ez Tildy see de trouble, she jes' tu'n an' toss huh haid, But seem lak she los' huh sperrit, all huh darin'ness was daid. Did n't cut anothah capah nary time de blessid night; But de othah one, hit looked lak couldn't git enough delight. Wen you keeps a colt a-stan'nin' in de stable all along, iW'en he do git out hit's nachul he '11 be pullin' mighty strong. Ef you will tie up yo' feelin's, hyeah's de bes' advice to tek, Look out fu' an awful loosin' w'en de string dat hoi's 'em brek. [160] Lucy's mammy groaned to see huh, an' huh pappy sto'med an' to', But she kep' right on a-hol'in' to de centah of de flo'. So dey went an' ast de pastoh ef he could n't mek huh quit, But de tellin' of de sto'y th'owed de preachah in a fit. Tildy Taylor chewed huh hank'- cher twell she'd chewed it in a hole,— All de sinnahs was rejoicin' 'cause a lamb had lef' de fol', An' de las' I seed o' Lucy, she an' 'Lish was side an' side: I don't blame de gal fu' dancin', an' I could n't ef I tried. Fu' de men dat wants to ma'y ain't a-growin' 'roun' on trees, An' de gal dat wants to git one sholy has to try to please. Hit's a ha'd t'ing fu' a ooman fu' to pray an' jes' set down, An' to sacafice a husban' so's to try to gain a crown. Now, I don' say she was justified in follerin' huh plan; But aldough she los' huh 'ligion, yit she sholy got de man. Latah on, w'en she is suttain dat de preachah's made 'em fas' She kin jes' go back to chu'ch an' ax fu'giveness fu' de pas'! LYRICS OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER TWO LITTLE BOOTS Two little boots all rough an' wo', Two little boots! Law, I's kissed 'em times befo', Dese little boots! Seems de toes a-peepin' thoo Dis hyeah hole an' sayin' " Boo! " Evah time dey looks at you — Dese little boots. Membah de time he put 'em on, Dese little boots; Riz an' called fu' 'em by dawn, Dese little boots; Den he tromped de livelong day, Laffin' in his happy way, Evaht'ing he had to say, " My little boots! " Kickin' de san' de whole day long, Dem little boots; Good de cobblah made 'em strong, Dem little boots! Rocks was fu' dat baby's use, I'on had to stan' abuse IW'en you tu'ned dese champeens loose, Dese little boots! Ust to make de ol' cat cry, Dese little boots; Den you walked it mighty high, Proud little boots! Ahms akimbo, stan'in' wide, [i Eyes a-sayin' " Dis is pride! " Den de manny-baby stride! You little boots. Somehow, you don' seem so gay, Po' little boots, Sence yo' ownah went erway, Po' little boots! Yo' bright tops don' look so red, Dese brass tips is dull an' dead; " Goo'-by," whut de baby said; Deah little boots! Ain't you kin' o' sad yo'se'f, You little boots? Dis is all his mammy's lef', Two little boots. Sence huh baby gone an' died. Heav'n itse'f hit seem to hide Des a little bit inside Two little boots. TO THE ROAD Cool is the wind, for the summer is waning, Who's for the road ? Sun-flecked and soft, where the dead leaves are raining, Who's for the road ? Knapsack and alpenstock press hand and shoulder, Prick of the brier and roll of the boulder; 63] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF This be your lot till the season grow older; Who's for the road ? Up and away in the hush of the morning, Who's for the road ? Vagabond he, all conventions a- scorning, Who's for the road ? Music of warblers so merrily sing¬ ing, Draughts from the rill from the roadside up-springing, Nectar of grapes from the vines lowly swinging, These on the road. Now every house is a hut or a hovel, Come to the road: Mankind and moles in the dark love to grovel, But to the road. Throw off the loads that are bend¬ ing you double; Love is for life, only labor is trouble; Truce to the town, whose best gift is a bubble: Come to the road! A SPRING WOOING Come on walkin' wid me, Lucy; 't ain't no time to mope erroun' [164] Wen de sunshine's shoutin' glory in de sky, An' de little Johnny-Jump-Ups's jes' a-springin' f'om de groun', Den a-lookin' roun' to ax each othah w'y. Don' you hyeah dem cows a- mooin' ? Dat's dey howdy to de spring; Ain' dey lookin' most oncom- mon satisfied? Hit's enough to mek a body want to spread dey mouf an' sing Jes' to see de critters all so spa'klin'-eyed. W'y dat squir'l dat jes' run past us, ef I did n' know his tricks, I could swaih he'd got 'uligion jes' to-day; An' dem liza'ds slippin' back an' fofe ermong de stones an' sticks Is a-wigglin' 'cause dey feel so awful gay. Oh, I see yo' eyes a-shinin' dough you try to mek me b'lieve Dat you ain' so monst'ous happy 'cause you come; But I tell you dis hyeah weathah meks it moughty ha'd to 'ceive Ef a body's soul ain' blin' an* deef an' dumb. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Robin whistlin' ovah yandah ez he buil' his little nes'; Whut you reckon dat he sayin' to his mate? He's a-sayin' dat he love huh in de wo'ds she know de bes', An' she lookin' moughty pleased at whut he state. Now, Miss Lucy, dat ah robin sholy got his sheer o' sense, An' de hen-bird got huh mothah-wit fu' true; So I t'ink ef you '11 ixcuse me, fu' I do' mean no erfence, Dey's a lesson in dem birds fu' me an' you. I's a-buil'in' o' my cabin, an' I's vines erbove de do' Fu' to kin' o' -gin it sheltah f'om de sun; Gwine to have a little kitchen wid a reg'lar wooden flo', An' dey '11 be a back verandy w'en hit's done. I's a-waitin' fu' you, Lucy, tek de- 'zample o' de birds, Dat's a-lovin' an' a-matin' evah- whaih. I cain' tell you dat I loves you in de robin's music wo'ds, But my cabin's talkin' fu' me ovah thaih! JOGGIN' ERLONG De da'kest hour, dey alius say, Is des' befo' de dawn, [i But it's moughty ha'd a-waitin' Were de night goes frownin' on; An' it's moughty ha'd a-hopin' W'en de clouds is big an' black, An' all de t'ings you's waited fu' Has failed, er gone to wrack — But des' keep on a-joggin' wid a little bit o' song, De mo'n is alius brightah w'en de night's been long. Dey's lots o' knocks you's got to tek Befo' yo' journey's done, An' dey's times w'en you '11 be wishin' Dat de weary race was run; W'en you want to give up tryin' An' des' float erpon de wave, W'en you don't feel no mo' sorrer Ez you t'ink erbout de grave — Den, des' keep on a-joggin' wid a little bit o' song, De mo'n is alius brightah w'en de night's been long. De whup-lash sting a good deal mo' De back hit's knowed befo', An' de burden's alius heavies' Whaih hits weight has made a so'; ' Dey is times w'en tribulation Seems to git de uppah han' An' to whip de weary trav'lah 'Twell he ain't got stren'th to stan'— THE COMPLETE POEMS OF But des' keep on a-joggin' wid a little bit o' song, De mo'n is alius brightah w'en de night's been long. IN MAY Oh to have you in May, To talk with you under the trees, Dreaming throughout the day, Drinking the wine-like breeze, Oh it were sweet to think That May should be ours again, Hoping it not, I shrink, Out of the sight of men. May brings the flowers to bloom, It brings the green leaves to the tree, And the fatally sweet perfume, Of what you once were to me. DREAMS What dreams we have and how they fly Like rosy clouds across the sky; Of wealth, of fame, of sure suc¬ cess, Of love that comes to cheer and bless; And how they wither, how they fade, The waning wealth, the jilting jade — [i The fame that for a moment gleams, Then flies forever,— dreams, ah — dreams! O burning doubt and long regret, 0 tears with which our eyes are wet, Heart-throbs, heart-aches, the glut of pain, The somber cloud, the bitter rain, You were not of those dreams — ah! well, Your full fruition who can tell? Wealth, fame, and love, ah! love that beams Upon our souls, all dreams — ah! dreams. THE TRYST De night creep down erlong de Ian', De shadders rise an' shake, De frog is sta'tin' up his ban', De cricket is awake; My wo'k is mos' nigh done, Celes', To-night I won't be late, I's hu'yin' thoo my level bes', Wait fu' me by de gate. De mockin'-bird'11 sen' his glee A-thrillin' thoo and thoo, 1 know dat ol' magnolia-tree Is smellin' des' fu' you; De jessamine erside de road Is bloomin' rich an' white, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR My hea't's a-th'obbin' 'cause it knowed You'd wait fu' me to-night. Hit's lonesome, ain't it, stan'in' thaih Wid no one nigh to talk? But ain't dey whispahs in de aih Erlong de gyahden walk? Don't somep'n kin' o' call my name, An' say " he love you bes' " ? Hit's true, I wants to say de same, So wait fu' me, Celes'. Sing somep'n fu' to pass de time, Outsing de mockin'-bird, You got de music an' de rhyme, You beat him wid de word. I's comin' now, my wo'k is done, De hour has come fu' res', I wants to fly, but only run — Wait fu' me, deah Celes'. A PLEA Treat me nice, Miss Mandy Jane, Treat me nice. Dough my love has tu'ned my brain, Treat me nice. I ain't done a t'ing to shame, Lovahs all ac's jes' de same: Don't you know we ain't to blame ? Treat me nice! [i Cose I know I's talkin' wild; Treat me nice; I cain't talk no bettah, child, Treat me nice; Whut a pusson gwine to do, W'en he come a-cou'tin' you All a-trimblin' thoo and thoo? Please be nice. Reckon I mus' go de paf Othahs do: Lovahs lingah, ladies laff; Mebbe you Do' mean all the things you say, An' pu'haps some latah day W'en I baig you ha'd, you may Treat me nice! THE DOVE Out of the sunshine and out of the heat, Out of the dust of the grimy street, A song fluttered down in the form of a dove, And it bore me a message, the one word — Love! Ah, I was toiling, and oh, I was sad: I had forgotten the way to be glad. Now, smiles for my sadness and for my toil, rest Since the dove fluttered down to its home in my breast! THE COMPLETE POEMS OF A WARM DAY IN WINTER " Sunshine on de medders, Greenness on de way; Dat's de blessed reason I sing all de day." Look hyeah! Whut you axin'? Whut meks me so merry? 'Spect to see me sighin' W'en hit's wa'm in Febawary? 'Long de stake an' rider Seen a robin set; W'y, hit 'mence a-thawin', Groun' is monst'ous wet. Den you stan' dah wond'rin', Lookin' skeert an' stary; I's a right to caper W'en hit's wa'm in Febawary. Missis gone a-drivin', Mastah gone to shoot; Ev'ry da'ky lazin' In de sun to boot. Qua'tah's moughty pleasant, Hangin' 'roun' my Mary; Cou'tin' boun' to prospah W'en hit's wa'm in Febawary. Cidah look so pu'ty Po'in' f'om de jug — Don' you see it's happy? Hyeah it laffin'—glug? Now's de time fu' people Fu' to try an' bury All dey grief an' sorrer, W'en hit's wa'm in Febawary. SNOWIN' Dey is snow upon de meddahs, dey is snow upon de hill, An' de little branch's watahs is all glistenin' an' still; De win' goes roun' de cabin lak a sperrit wan'erin' 'roun'. An' de chillen shakes an' shivahs as dey listen to de soun'. Dey is hick'ry in de fiahplace, whah de blaze is risin' high, But de heat -it meks ain't wa'min' up de gray clouds in de sky. Now an' den I des peep outside, den I hurries to de do', Lawd a mussy on my body, how I wish it would n't snow! I kin stan'. de hottes' summah, I kin stan' de wettes' fall, I kin stan' de chilly springtime in de ploughland, but dat's all; Fu' de ve'y hottes' fiah nevah tells my skin a t'ing, W'en de snow commence a-flyin', an' de win' begin to sing. Dey is plenty wood erroun' us, an' I chop an' tote it in, But de t'oughts dat I's a t'inkin' while I's wo'kin' is a sin. I kin keep f'om downright swahin' all de time I's on de go, But my hea't is full o' cuss-wo'ds w'en I's trampin' thoo de snow. [168] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR What you say, you Lishy Davis, dat you see a possum's tracks? Look hyeah, boy, you stop yo' foolin', bring ol' Spot, an' bring de ax. Is I col'? Go way, now, Mandy, what you t'ink I's made of ? — sho, W'y dis win' is des ez gentle, an' dis ain't no kin' o' snow. Dis hyeah weathah's des ez healthy ez de wa'mest summah days. All you chillen step up lively, pile on wood an' keep a blaze. What's de use o' gittin' skeery case dey's snow upon de groun' ? Huh-uh, I's a reg'lar snowbird ef dey's any possum 'roun'. Go on, Spot, don' be so foolish; don' you see de signs o' feet. What you howlin' fu ? Keep still, suh, cose de col' is putty sweet; But we goin' out on bus'ness, an' hit's bus'ness o' de kin' Dat mus' put a dog an' dahky in a happy frame o' min'. Yes, you's col'; I know it, Spotty, but you des stay close to me, An' I '11 mek you hot ez cotton w'en we strikes de happy tree. No, I don' lak wintah weathah, an' I'd wush 't uz alius June, Ef it was n't fu' de trackin' o' de possum an' de coon. KEEP A SONG UP ON DE WAY Oh, de clouds is mighty heavy An' de rain is mighty thick; Keep a song up on de way. An' de waters is a rumblin' On de boulders in de crick, Keep a song up on de way. Fu' a bird ercross de road Is a-singin' lak he knowed Dat we people did n't daih Fu' to try de rainy aih Wid a song up on de way. What's de use o' gittin' mopy, Case de weather ain' de bes'! Keep a song up on de way. W'en de rain is fallin' ha'des', Dey's de longes' times to res' Keep a song up on de way. Dough de plough's a-stan'in' still Dey '11 be watah fu' de mill, Rain mus' come ez well ez sun 'Fo' de weathah's wo'k is done, Keep a song up on de way. W'y hit's nice to hyeah de showahs Fallin' down ermong de trees: Keep a song up on de way. Ef de birds don' bothah 'bout it, But go singin' lak dey please, Keep a song up on de way. You don' s'pose I's gwine to see Dem ah fowls do mo' dan me? No, suh, I '11 des chase dis frown, An' aldough de rain fall down, Keep a song up on de way. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF THE TURNING OF THE BABIES IN THE BED Woman's sho' a cur'ous critter, an' dey ain't no doubtin' dat. She's a mess o' funny capahs f'om huh slippahs to huh hat. Ef you tries to un'erstan' huh, an' you fails, des' up an' say: " D' ain't a bit o' use to try to un'erstan' a woman's way." I don' mean to be complainin', but I's jes' a-settin' down Some o' my own obserwations, w'en I cas' my eye eroun'. Ef you ax me fu' to prove it, I ken do it mighty fine, Fu' dey ain't no bettah 'zample den dis ve'y wife o' mine. In de ve'y hea't o' midnight, w'en I's sleepin' good an' soun', I kin hyeah a so't o' rustlin' an' somebody movin' 'roun'. An' I say, " Lize, whut you do- in' ? " But she frown an' shek huh haid, " Heish yo' mouf, I's only tu'nin' of de chillun in de bed. " Don' you know a chile gits rest¬ less, layin' all de night one way? An' you' got to kind o' 'range him sev'al times befo' de day? So de little necks won't worry, an' de little backs won't break; [i Don' you t'ink case chillun's chil¬ lun dey hain't got no pain an' ache." So she shakes 'em, an' she twists 'em, an' she tu'ns 'em 'roun' erbout, 'Twell I don' see how de chillun evah keeps f'om hollahin' out. Den she lif's 'em up head down- 'ards, so's dey won't git livah- grown, But dey snoozes des' ez peaceful ez a liza'd on a stone. W'en hit's mos' nigh time fu' wakin' on de dawn o' jedg- ment day, Seems lak I kin hyeah ol' Gab'iel lay his trumpet down an' say, " Who dat walkin' 'roun' so easy, down on earf ermong de dead?"— 'T will be Lizy up a-tu'nin' of de chillun in de bed. THE DANCE Heel and toe, heel and toe, That is the song we sing; Turn to your partner and curtsey low, Balance and forward and swing. Corners are draughty and meadows are white, This is the game for a winter's night. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Hands around, hands around, Trip it, and not too slow; Clear is the fiddle and sweet its sound, Keep the girls' cheeks aglow. Still let your movements be dainty and light, This is the game for a winter's night. Back to back, back to back, Turn to your place again; Never let lightness nor nimble- ness lack, Either in maidens or men. Time hasteth ever, beware of its flight, Oh, what a game for a winter's night! Slower now, slower now, Softer the music sighs; Look, there are beads on your partner's brow Though there be light in her eyes. Lead her away and her grace re- . quite, So goes the game on a winter's night. SOLILOQUY OF A TURKEY Dey's a so't o' threatenin' feelin' in de blowin' of de breeze, An' I's feelin' kin' o' squeamish in de night; [i I's a-walkin' 'roun' a-lookin' at de diffunt style o' trees, An' a-measurin' dey thickness an' dey height. Fu' dey's somep'n mighty 'spicious in de looks de da'kies give, Ez dey pass me an' my fambly on de groun,' So it 'curs to me dat lakly, ef I caihs to try an' live, It concehns me fu' to 'mence to look erroun'. Dey's a cu'ious kin' o' shivah runnin' up an' down my back, An' I feel my feddahs rufflin' all de day, An' my laigs commence to trimble evah blessid step I mek; W'en I sees a ax, I tu'ns my head away. Folks is go'gin' me wid goodies, an' dey's treatin' me wid caih, An' I's fat in spite of all dat I kin do. I's mistrus'ful of de kin'ness dat's erroun' me evahwhaih, Fu' it's jes' too good, an' fre¬ quent, to be true. Snow's a-fallin' on de medders, all erroun' me now is white, But I's still kep' on a-roostin' on de fence; Isham comes an' feels my breas'- bone, an' he hefted me las' night, i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF An' he's gone erroun' a-grinnin' evah sence. 'T ain't de snow dat meks me shivah; 't ain't de col' dat meks me shake; 'T ain't de wintah-time itse'f dat's 'fectin' me; But I t'ink de time is comin', an' I'd bettah mek a break, Fu' to set wid Mistah Possum in his tree. W'en you hyeah de da'kies singin', an' de quahtahs all is gay, 'T ain't de time fu' birds lak me to be 'erroun'; W'en de hick'ry chips is flyin', an' de log's been ca'ied erway, Den hit's dang'ous to be roostin' nigh he groun'. Grin on, Isham! Sing on, da'k¬ ies! But I flop my wings an' g° Fu' de sheltah of de ve'y high¬ est tree, Fu' dey's too much close ertention — an' dey's too much fallin' snow — An' it's too nigh Chris'mus mo'nin' now fu' me. FISHING W'en I git up in de mo'nin' an' de clouds is big an' black, Dey's a kin' o' wa'nin' shivah goes a-scootin' down my back; [i Den I says to my ol' ooman ez I watches down de lane, " Don't you so't o' reckon, Lizy, dat we gwine to have some rain?" " Go on, man," my Lizy answah, " you cain't fool me, not a bit, I don't see no rain a-comin', ef you's wishin' fu' it, quit; Case de mo' you t'ink erbout it, an de mo' you pray an' wish, W'y de rain stay 'way de longah, spechul ef you wants to fish." But I see huh pat de skillet, an' I see huh cas' huh eye Wid a kin' o' anxious motion to'ds de da'kness in de sky; An' I knows whut she's a-t'inkin', dough she tries so ha'd to hide. She's a-sayin', " Would n't catfish now tas'e monst'ous bully, fried?" Den de clouds git black an' black- ah, an' de thundah 'mence to roll, An' de rain, it 'mence a-fallin'. Oh, I's happy, bless my soul! Ez I look at dat ol' skillet, an' I 'magine I kin see Jes' a slew o' new-ketched catfish sizzlin' daih fu' huh an' me. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR 'T ain't no use to go a-ploughin', fu' de groun' '11 be too wet, So I puts out fu' de big house at a moughty pace, you bet, An' ol* mastah say, " Well, Lishy, ef you t'ink hit's gwine to rain, Go on fishin', hit's de weathah, an' I 'low we cain't com¬ plain." Talk erbout a dahky walkin' wid his haid up in de aih! Have to feel mine evah minute to be sho' I got it daih; En' de win' is cuttin' capahs an' a-lashin' thoo de trees, But de rain keeps on a-singin' blessed songs, lak " Tek yo' ease." Wid my pole prpon my shouldah an' my wo'm can in my han', I kin feel de fish a-waitin' w'en I strikes de rivah's san'; Nevah min', you ho'ny scoun'els, need n' swim erroun' an' grin, I '11 be grinnin' in a minute w'en I 'mence to haul you in. W'en de fish begin to nibble, an' de co'k begin to jump, I's erfeahed dat dey '11 quit bitin', case dey hyeah my hea't go " thump," 'Twell de co'k go way down undah, an' I raise a awful shout, Ez a big ol' yallah belly comes a gallivantin' out. Need n't wriggle, Mistah Catfish, case I got you jes' de same, You been eatin', I '11 be eatin', an' we needah ain't to blame. But you need n't feel so lonesome fu' I 's th'owin' out to see Ef dey ain't some of yo' comrades fu' to keep you company. Spo't, dis fishin'! now you talkin', w'y dey ain't no kin' to beat; I don' keer ef I is soakin', laigs, an' back, an' naik, an' feet, It's de spo't I's lookin' aftah. Hit's de pleasure an' de fun, Dough I knows dat Lizy's waitin' wid de skillet w'en I's done. A PLANTATION PORTRAIT Hain't you see my Mandy Lou, Is it true? Whaih you been f'om day to day, Whaih, I say? Dat you say you nevah seen Dis hyeah queen Walkin' roun' f'om fiel' to street Smilin' sweet? Slendah ez a saplin' tree; Seems to me THE COMPLETE POEMS OF W'en de win' blow f'om de bay She jes' sway Lak de reg'lar saplin' do Ef hit's grew Straight an' graceful, 'dout a limb, Sweet an' slim. Browner den de frush's wing, An' she sing Lak he mek his wa'ble ring In de spring; But she sholy beat de frush, Hyeah me, hush: W'en she sing, huh teef kin show White ez snow. Eyes ez big an' roun' an' bright Ez de light Whut de moon gives in de prime Harvest time. An' huh haih a woolly skein, Black an' plain. Hoi's you wid a natchul twis' Close to bliss. Tendah han's dat mek yo' own Feel lak stone; Easy steppin', blessid feet, Small an' sweet. Hain't you seen my Mandy Lou, Is it true? Look at huh befo' she's gone, Den pass on! A LITTLE CHRISTMAS BASKET De win' is hollahin' " Daih you " to de shuttahs an' de fiah, [I De snow's a-sayin' " Got you " to de groun', Fu' de wintah weathah's come widout a-askin' ouah de- siah, An' he's laughin' in his sleeve at whut he foun'; Fu' dey ain't nobody ready wid dey fuel er dey food, An' de money bag look timid lak, fu' sho', So we want ouah Chrismus sermon, but we'd lak it ef you could Leave a little Chrismus basket at de do'. Wha's de use o' tellin' chillen 'bout a Santy er a Nick, An' de sto'ies dat a body alius tol'? When de harf is gray wid ashes an' you has n't got a stick Fu' to warm dem when dey little toes is col'? Wha's de use o' preachin' 'ligion to a man dat's sta'ved to def, An' a-tellin' him de Mastah will pu'vide? Ef you want to tech his feelin's, save yo' sermons an' yo' bref, Tek a little Chrismus basket by yo' side. 'T ain't de time to open Bibles an' to lock yo' cellah do', PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR 'T ain't de time to talk o' bein' good to men; Ef you want to preach a sermon ez you nevah preached befo', Preach dat sermon wid a shoat er wid er hen; Bein' good is heap sight bettah den a-dallyin' wid sin, An' dey ain't nobody roun' dat knows it mo', But I t'ink dat 'ligion's sweeter w'en it kind o' mixes in Wid a little Chrismus basket at de do'. THE VALSE When to sweet music my lady is dancing My heart to mild frenzy her beauty inspires. Into my face are her brown eyes a-glancing, And swift my whole frame thrills with tremulous fires. Dance, lady, dance, for the mo¬ ments are fleeting, Pause not to place yon refractory curl ; Life is for love and the night is for sweeting; Dreamily, joyously, circle and whirl. Oh, how those viols are throbbing and pleading; [i A prayer is scarce needed in sound of their strain. Surely and lightly as round you are speeding, You turn to confusion my heart and my brain. Dance, lady, dance to the viol's soft calling, Skip it and trip it as light as the air; Dance, for the moments like rose leaves are falling, Strikes, now, the clock from its place on the stair. Now sinks the melody lower and lower, The weary musicians scarce seeming to play. Ah, love, your steps now are slower and slower, The smile on your face is more sad and less gay. Dance, lady, dance to the brink of our parting, My heart and your step must not fail to be light. Dance! Just a turn — tho' the tear-drop be starting. Ah — now it is done — so — my lady, good-night! REPONSE When Phyllis sighs and from her eyes The light dies out; my soul re¬ plies THE COMPLETE POEMS OF With misery of deep-drawn breath, E'en as it were at war with death. When Phyllis smiles, her glance beguiles My heart through love-lit wood¬ land aisles, And through the silence high and clear, A wooing warbler's song I hear. But if she frown, despair comes down, I put me on my sack-cloth gown; So frown not, Phyllis, lest I die, But look on me with smile or sigh. MY SWEET BROWN GAL W'en de clouds is hangin' heavy in de sky, An' de win's's a-taihin' moughty vig'rous by, I don' go a-sighin' all erlong de way; I des' wo'k a-waitin' fu' de close o' day. Case I knows w'en evenin' draps huh shadders down, I won' care a smidgeon fu' de weathah's frown; Let de rain go splashin', let de thundah raih, Dey's a happy sheltah, an' I's goin' daih. [176] Down in my ol' cabin wa'm ez mammy's toas', 'Taters in de fiah layin' daih to roas'; No one daih to cross me, got no talkin' pal, But I's got de comp'ny o' my sweet brown gal. So I spen's my evenin' listenin' to huh sing, Lak a blessid angel; how huh voice do ring! Sweetah den a bluebird flutterin' erroun', W'en he sees de steamin' o' de new ploughed groun'. Den I hugs huh closah, closah to my breas'. Need n't sing, my da'lin', tek you' hones' res'. Does I mean Malindy, Mandy, Lize er Sal? No, I means my fiddle — dat's my sweet brown gal! SPRING FEVER Grass commence a-comin' Thoo de thawin' groun', Evah bird dat whistles Keepin' noise erroun'; Cain't sleep in de mo'nin', Case befo' it's light Bluebird an' de robin, Done begun to fight. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Bluebird sass de robin, Robin sass him back, Den de bluebird scol' him 'Twell his face is black. Would n' min' de quoilin' All de mo'nin' long, 'Cept it wakes me early, Case hit's done in song. Anybody wo'kin' Wants to sleep ez late Ez de folks '11 'low him, An' I wish to state (Co'se dis ain't to scattah, But 'twix' me an' you), I could stan' de bedclothes, Kin' o' latah, too. 'T ain't my natchul feelin', Dis hyeah mopin' spell. I stan's early risin' Mos'ly moughty well; But de ve'y minute, I feel Ap'il's heat, Bless yo' soul, de bedclothes Nevah seemed so sweet. Mastah, he's a-scol'in', Case de han's is slow, All de hosses balkin', Jes' cain't mek 'em go. Don' know whut's de mattah, Hit's a funny t'ing, Less'n hit's de fevah Dat you gits in spring. THE VISITOR Little lady at de do', W'y you stan' dey knockin'? Nevah seen you ac' befo' In er way so shockin'. Don' you know de sin it is Fu' to git my temper riz W'en I's got de rheumatiz An' my jints is lockin'? No, ol' Miss ain't sont you down, Don' you tell no story; I been seed you hangin' 'roun' Dis hyeah te'itory. You des come fu' me to tell You a tale, an' I ain'— well — Look hyeah, what is dat I smell ? Steamin' victuals ? Glory! Come in, Missy, how you do? Come up by de fiah, I was jokin', chile, wid you; Bring dat basket nighah. Huh uh, ain't dat lak ol' Miss, Sen'in' me a feas' lak dis? Rheumatiz cain't stop my bliss, Case I's feelin* spryah. Chicken meat an' gravy, too, Hot an' still a-heatin'; Good ol' sweet pertater stew; Missy b'lieves in treatin'. Des set down, you blessed chile, 177] THE COMPLETE POEMS OE Daddy got to t'ink a while, Den a story mek you smile W'en he git thoo eatin'. SONG • Wintah, summah, snow er shine, Hit's all de same to me, Ef only I kin call you mine, An' keep you by my knee. Ha'dship, frolic, grief er caih, Content by night an' day, Ef only I kin see you whaih You wait beside de way. Livin', dyin', smiles er teahs, My soul will still be free, Ef only thoo de comin' yeahs You walk de worl' wid me. Bird-song, breeze-wail, chune er moan, What puny t'ings dey '11 be, Ef w'en I's seemin' all erlone, I knows yo' hea't's wid me. THE COLORED BAND W'en de colo'ed ban' comes ma'chin' down de street, Don't you people stan' daih starin'; Iif' yo' feet! Ain't dey playin'? Hip, hoo¬ ray! [i Stir yo' stumps an' cleah de way, Fu' de music dat dey mekin' can't be beat. Oh, de major man's a-swingin' of his stick, An' de pickaninnies crowdin' roun' him thick; In his go'geous uniform, He's de lightnin' of de sto'm, An' de little clouds erroun' look mighty slick. You kin hyeah a fine perfo'mance w'en de white ban's sere¬ nade, An' dey play dey high-toned music mighty sweet, But hit's Sousa played in rag¬ time, an' hit's Rastus on Parade, W'en de colo'ed ban' comes ma'chin' down de street. W'en de colo'ed ban' comes ma'ch¬ in' down de street You kin hyeah de ladies all erroun' repeat: "Ain't dey handsome? Ain't dey gran'? Ain't dey splendid? Goodness, lan'! W'y dey's pu'fect f'om dey fo'- heads to dey feet! " An' sich steppin' to de music down de line, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR 'X ain't de music by itself dat meks Or does some brighter spirit, un¬ it fine, Hit's de walkin', step by step, An' de keepin' time wid " Hep," forlorn, Send you, my little sister of the wood, Dat it mek a common ditty soun' To say to some one on a cloudful divine Oh, de white ban' play hits music, an' hit's mighty good to hyeah, An' it sometimes leaves a ticklin' in yo' feet; But de hea't goes into bus'ness fu' to he'p erlong de eah, W'en de colo'ed ban' goes ma'ch- in' down de street. morn, " Life lives through death, my brother, all is good ? " With meditative hearts the others go The memory of their dead to dress anew. But, sister mine, bide here that I may know, Life grows, through death, as beautiful as you. TO A VIOLET FOUND ON ALL SAINTS' DAY Belated wanderer of the ways of spring, Lost in the chill of grim No¬ vember rain, Would I could read the message that you bring And find in it the antidote for pain. Does some sad spirit out beyond the day, Far looking to the hours forever dead, Send you a tender offering to lay Upon the grave of us, the liv¬ ing dead ? INSPIRATION At the golden gate of song Stood I, knocking all day long, But the Angel, calm and cold, Still refused and bade me, " Hold." Then a breath of soft perfume, Then a light within the gloom; Thou, Love, earnest to my side, And the gates flew open wide. Long I dwelt in this domain, Knew no sorrow, grief, or pain; Now you bid me forth and free, Will you shut these gates on me? [179] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF MY LADY OF CASTLE ■ GRAND Gray is the palace where she dwells, Grimly the poplars stand There by the window where she sits, My Lady of Castle Grand. There does she bide the livelong day, Grim as the poplars are, Ever her gaze goes reaching out, Steady, but vague and far. Bright burn the fires in the castle hall, Brightly the fire-dogs stand; But cold is the body and cold the heart Of my Lady of Castle Grand. Blue are the veins in her lily-white hands, Blue are the veins in her brow; Thin is the line of her blue drawn lips, Who would be haughty now? Pale is the face at the window- pane, Pale as the pearl on her breast, " Roderick, love, wilt come again ? Fares he to east or west ? " The bird to his mate in the tree, And ever she sighs as she hears their song, " Nobody sings for me." The scullery maids have swains enow Who lead them the way of love, But lonely and loveless their mis¬ tress sits At her window up above. Loveless and lonely she waits and waits, The saddest in all the land; Ah, cruel and lasting is love-blind pride, My Lady of Castle Grand. DRIZZLE Hit's been drizzlin' an* been sprinklin', Kin' o' techy all day long. I ain't wet enough fu' toddy, I's too damp to raise a song, An' de case have set me t'inkin', Dat dey's folk des lak de rain, Dat goes drizzlin' w'en dey's talkin', An' won't speak out flat an' plain. The shepherd pipes to the shep- Ain't you nevah set an' listened herdess, At a body 'splain his min'? [i 80] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR W'en de t'oughts dey keep on drappin' Wasn't big enough to fin'? Dem's whut I call drizzlin' people, Othahs call 'em mealy mouf, But de fust name hits me bettah, Case dey nevah tech a drouf. Dey kin talk from hyeah to yandah, An' f'om yandah hyeah ergain, An' dey don' mek no mo' 'pression, Den dis powd'ry kin' o' rain. En yo' min' is dry ez cindahs, Er a piece o' kindlin' wood, 'T ain't no use a-talkin' to 'em, Fu' dey drizzle ain't no good. Gimme folks dat speak out nachul, Whut '11 say des whut dey mean, Whut don't set dey wo'ds so skimpy Dat you got to guess between. I want talk des' lak de showahs Whut kin wash de dust erway, Not dat sprinklin' convusation, Dat des drizzle all de day. DE CRITTERS' DANCE Ain't nobody nevah tol' you not a wo'd a-tall, 'Bout de time dat all de critters gin dey fancy ball? Some folks tell it in a sto'y, some folks sing de rhyme, Teahs to me you ought to hyeahed it, case hit's ol' ez time. [i Well, de critters all was p'osp'ous, now would be de chance Fu' to tease ol' Pa'son Hedgehog, givin' of a dance; Case, you know, de critters' preachah was de stric'est kin', An' he nevah made no 'lowance fu' de frisky min'. So dey sont dey inbitations, Rac¬ coon writ 'em all, " Dis hyeah note is to inbite you to de Fancy Ball; Come erlong an' bring yo' ladies, bring yo' chillun too, Put on all yo' bibs an' tuckahs, show whut you kin do." W'en de night come, dey all gathahed in a place dey knowed, Fu' enough erway f'om people, nigh enough de road, All de critters had ersponded, Hop- Toad up to Baih, An' I's hyeah to tell you, Pa'son Hedgehog too, was daih. Well, dey talked an' made dey 'bejunce, des lak critters do, An' dey walked an' p'omenaded 'roun' an' thoo an' thoo; Jealous ol' Mis' Fox, she whispah, " See Mis' Wildcat daih, Ain't hit scan'lous, huh a-comin' wid huh shouldahs baih ? " i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Ol' man T'utle was n't honin' fu' no dancin' tricks, So he stayed by ol' Mis' Tu'tle, talkin' politics; Den de ban* hit 'mence a-playin' critters all to place, Fou' ercross an' fou' stan' side¬ ways, smilin' face to face. 'Fessah Frog, he play de co'net, Cricket play de fife, Slews o' Grasshoppahs a-fiddlin' lak to save dey life; Mistah Crow, 'he call de figgers, settin'.iri a tree, Huh, uh! how dose critters sas- shayed was a sight to see. Mistah Possom swing Mis' Rab¬ bit up an' down de flo', Ol' man Baih, he ain't so nimble, an' it mek him blow; Raccoon dancin' wid Mis' Squ'il squeeze huh little han', She say, " Oh, now ain't you aw¬ ful, quit it, goodness lan'! " Pa'son Hedgehog groanin' awful at his converts' shines, 'Dough he peepin' thoo his fingahs at dem movin' lines, 'Twell he cain't set still no longah w'en de fiddles sing, Up he jump, an' bless you, honey, cut de pigeon-wing. Well, de critters lak to fainted jes' wid dey su'prise, [i Sistah Fox, she vowed she was n't gwine to b'lieve huh eyes; But dey could n't be no 'sputin' 'bout it any mo': Pa'son Hedgehog was a-cape'in' all erroun' de flo.' Den dey all jes' capahed scan'lous case dey did n't doubt, Dat dey still could go to meetin'; who could tu'n 'em out? So wid dancin' an' uligion, dey was in de fol', Fu' a-dancin' wid de Pa'son could¬ n't hu't de soul. WHEN DEY 'LISTED COL¬ ORED SOLDIERS Dey was talkin' in de cabin, dey was talkin' in de hall; But I listened kin' o' keerless, not a-t'inkin' 'bout it all; An' on Sunday, too, I noticed, dey was whisp'rin' mighty much, Stan'in' all erroun' de roadside w'en dey let us out o' chu'ch. But I did n't t'ink erbout it 'twell de middle of de week, An' my 'Lias come to see me, an' somehow he could n't speak. Den I seed all in a minute whut he'd come to see me for;— Dey had 'listed colo'ed sojers an' my 'Lias gwine to wah. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Oh, I hugged him, an' I kissed him, an' I baiged him not to go; But he tol' me dat his conscience, hit was callin' to him so, An' he could n't baih to lingah w'en he had a chanst to fight For de freedom dey had gin him an' de glory of de right. So he kissed me, an' he lef' me, w'en I'd p'omised to be true; An' dey put a knapsack on him, an' a coat all colo'ed blue. So I gin him pap's ol' Bible f'om de bottom of de draw',— W'en dey 'listed colo'ed sojers an' my 'Lias went to wah. But I t'ought of all de weary miles dat he would have to tramp, An' I could n't be contented w'en dey tuk him to de camp. W'y my hea't nigh broke wid grievin' 'twell I seed him on de street; Den I felt lak I could go an' th'ow my body at his feet. For his buttons was a-shinin', an' his face was shinin', too, An' he looked so strong an' mighty in his coat o' sojer blue, Dat I hollahed, " Step up, man- ny," dough my th'oat was so' an' raw,— W'en dey 'listed colo'ed sojers an' my 'Lias went to wah. Ol' Mis' cried w'en mastah lef' huh, young Miss mou'ned huh brothah Ned, An' I did n't know dey feelin's is de ve'y wo'ds dey said W'en I tol' 'em I was so'y. Dey had done gin up dey all; But dey only seemed mo' proudah dat dey men had hyeahed de call. Bofe my mastahs went in gray suits, an' I loved de Yankee blue, But I t'ought dat I could sorrer for de losin' of 'em too; But I could n't, for I did n't know de ha'f o' whut I saw, 'Twell dey 'listed colo'ed sojers an' my 'Lias went to wah. Mastah Jack come home all sickly; he was broke for life, dey said; An' dey lef' my po' young mastah some'r's on de roadside,— dead. W'en de women cried an' mou'ned 'em, I could feel it thoo an' thoo, For I had a loved un fightin' in de way o' dangah, too. Den dey tol' me dey had laid him some'r's way down souf to res', Wid de flag dat he had fit for shinin' daih acrost his breas'. [is3] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Well, I cried, but den I reckon dat's whut Gawd had called him for, W'en dey 'listed colo'ed sojers an' my 'Lias went to wah. LINCOLN Hurt was the nation with a mighty wound, And all her ways were filled with clam'rous sound. Wailed loud the South with unre¬ mitting grief, And wept the North that could not find relief. Then madness joined its harshest tone to strife: A minor note swelled in the song of life. 'Till, stirring with the love that filled his breast, But still, unflinching at the right's behest, Grave Lincoln came, strong handed, from afar, The mighty Homer of the lyre of war. 'T was he who bade the raging . tempest cease, Wrenched from his harp the har¬ mony of peace, Muted the strings, that made the discord,— Wrong, And gave his spirit up in thun- d'rous song. [is Oh mighty Master of the mighty lyre, Earth heard and trembled at thy strains of fire: Earth learned of thee what Heav'n already knew, And wrote thee down among her treasured few. ENCOURAGEMENT Who dat knockin' at de do'? Why, Ike Johnson,—'yes, fu' sho! Come in, Ike. I's mighty glad You come down. I t'ought you's mad At me 'bout de othah night, An' was stayin' 'way fu' spite. Say, now, was you mad fu' true Wen I kin' o' laughed at you? Speak up, Ike, an' 'spress yo'se'f. 'T ain't no use a-lookin' sad, An' a-mekin' out you's mad ; Ef you's gwine to be so glum, Wondah why you evah come. I don't lak nobidy 'roun' Dat jes' shet dey mouf an' frown,— Oh, now, man, don't act a dunce! Cain't you talk? I tol' you once, Speak up, Ike, an' 'spress yo'se'f. Wha'd you come hyeah fu' to¬ night? Body'd t'ink yo' haid ain't right. I's done all dat I kin do,— PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Dressed perticler, jes' fu' you; Reckon I'd 'a' bettah wo' My ol' ragged calico. Aftah all de pains I's took, Cain't you tell me how I look? Speak up, Ike, an' 'spress yo'se'f. Bless my soul! I 'mos' fu'got Tellin' you 'bout Tildy Scott. Don't you know, come Thu'sday night, She gwine ma'y Lucius White? Miss Lize say I alius wuh Heap sight laklier 'jn huh; An' she '11 git me somep'n new, Ef I wants to ma'y too. Speak up, Ike, an' 'spress yo'se'f. I could ma'y in a week, Ef de man I wants 'ud speak. Tildy's presents '11 be fine, But dey would n't ekal mine. Him whut gits me fu' a wife 'LI be proud, you bet yo' life. I's had offers; some ain't quit; But I has n't ma'ied yit! Speak up, Ike, an' 'spress yo'se'f. Ike, I loves you,— yes, I does; You's my choice, and alius was. Laffin' at you ain't no harm.— Go 'way, dahky, whah's yo' arm ? Hug me closer — dah, dat's right! Wasn't you a awful sight, Havin' me to baig you so? Now ax whut you want to know,— Speak up, Ike, an' 'spress yo'se'f! [i THE BOOGAH MAN W'en de evenin' shadders Come a-glidin' down, Fallin' black an' heavy Ovah hill an' town, Ef you listen keerful, Keerful ez you kin, So's you boun' to notice Des a drappin' pin; Den you '11 hyeah a funny Soun' ercross de lan'; ' Lay low; dat's de callin' Of de Boogah Man! W06-00, woo-oo! Hyeah him ez he go erlong de way; W06-00J woo-oo! Don you wish de night 'ud tun to day? Woo-oo, woo-oo! Hide yo' little peepers 'hind yo' han ; Woo-oo, woo-oo! Callin of de Boogah Man. W'en de win's a-shiverin' Thoo de gloomy lane, An' dey comes de patterin* Of de evenin' rain, W'en de owl's a-hootin', Out daih in de wood, Don' you wish, my honey, Dat you .had been good ? 'T ain't no use to try to Snuggle up to Dan; Bless you, dat's de callin' Of de Boogah Man! THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Ef you loves yo' mammy, An' you min's yo' pap, Ef you nevah wriggles Outen Sukey's lap; Ef you says yo' " Lay me" Evah single night 'Fo' dey tucks de kivers An' puts out de light, Den de rain kin pattah Win' blow lak a fan, But you need n' bothah 'Bout de Boogah Man! THE WRAITH Ah me, it is cold and chill And the fire sobs low in the grate, While the wind rides by on the hill, And the logs crack sharp with hate. And she, she is cold and sad As ever the sinful are, But deep in my heart I am glad For my wound and the coming scar. Oh, ever the wind rides by And ever the raindrops grieve; But a voice like a woman's sigh Says, " Do you believe, be¬ lieve? " Ah, you were warm and sweet, Sweet as the May days be; [i Down did I fall at your feet, Why did you hearken to me? Oh, the logs they crack and whine, And the water drops from the eaves; But it is not rain but brine Where my dead darling grieves. And a wraith sits by my side, A spectre grim and dark; Are you gazing here open-eyed Out to the lifeless dark? But ever the wind rides on, And we sit close within; Out of the face of the dawn, I and my darling,— sin. SILENCE 'T is better to sit here beside the sea, Here on the spray-kissed beach, In silence, that between such friends as we Is full of deepest speech. WHIP-POOR-WILL AND KATY-DID Slow de night's a-fallin', An' I hyeah de callin, Out erpon de lonesome hill; Soun' is moughty dreary, Solemn-lak an' skeery, Sayin' fu' to "whip po' Will." PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Now hit's moughty tryin', Fu' to hyeah dis cryin', 'Deed hit's mo' den I kin stan'; Sho' wid all our slippin', Dey's enough of whippin' 'Dout a bird a'visin' any man. In de noons o' summah Dey's anothah hummah Sings anothah song instid; An' his th'oat's a-swellin' Wid de joy o' tellin', But he says dat " Katy did." Now I feels onsuhtain; Won't you raise de cu'tain Ovah all de ti'ngs dat's hid ? W'y dat feathahed p'isen Goes erbout a-visin' Whippin' Will w'en Katy did? 'LONG TO'DS NIGHT Daih's a moughty soothin' feelin' Hits a dahky man, 'Long to'ds night. W'en de row is mos' nigh ended, Den he stops to fan, 'Long to'ds night. De blue smoke f'om his cabin is a-callin' to him " Come;" He smell de bacon cookin', an' he hyeah de fiah hum; [i An' he 'mence to sing, 'dough wo'kin' putty nigh done made him dumb, 'Long to'ds night. Wid his hoe erpon his shouldah Den he goes erlong, 'Long to'ds night. An' he keepin' time a-steppin' Wid a little song, 'Long to'ds night. De restin'-time's a-comin', an' de time to drink an' eat; A baby's toddlin' to'ds him on hits little dusty feet, An' a-goin' to'ds his cabin, an* his suppah's moughty sweet, 'Long to'd§ night. Daih his Ca'line min' de kettle, Rufus min' de chile, 'Long to'ds night; An' de sweat roll down his forred, Mixin' wid his smile, 'Long to'ds night. He toss his piccaninny, an' he hum a little chune; De wokin' all is ovah, an' de sup¬ pah comin' soon; De wo'kin' time's Decembah, but de restin' time is June, 'Long to'ds night. Dey's a kin' o' doleful feelin', Hits a tendah place, 'Long to'ds night; THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Dey's a moughty glory in him Shinin' thoo his face, Long to'ds night. De cabin's lak de big house, an' de fiah's lak de sun; His wife look moughty lakly, an' de chile de puttiest one; W'y, hit's blessid, jes' a-livin' w'en a body's wo'k is done. 'Long to'ds night. A GRIEVANCE W'en de snow's a-fallin' An' de win' is col'. Mammy 'mence a-callin', Den she 'mence to scol', " Lucius Lishy Brackett, Don't you go out do's, Button up yo' jacket, Les'n you '11 git froze." I sit at de windah Lookin' at de groun', Nuffin nigh to hindah, Mammy ain' erroun'; Wish't she would n' mek me Set down in dis chaih; Pshaw, it would n't tek me Long to git some aih. So I jump down nimble Ez a boy kin be, Dough I's all a-trimble Feahed some one'11 see; Bet in a half a minute I fly out de do' [i An' I's knee-deep in it, Dat dah blessed snow. Den I hyeah a pattah Come acrost de flo'. Den dey comes a clattah At de cabin do'; An' my mammy holler Spoilin' all my joy, " Come in f'om dat waller, Don't I see you, boy ? " W'en de snow's a-sievin' Down ez sof' ez meal, Whut's de use o' livin' 'Cept you got de feel Of de stuff dat's fallin' 'Roun' an' white an' damp, 'Dout some one a-callin', " Come in hyeah, you scamp! DINAH KNEADING DOUGH I have seen full many a sight Born of day or drawn by night: Sunlight on a silver stream, Golden lilies all a-dream, Lofty mountains, bold and proud, Veiled beneath the lacelike cloud; But no lovely sight I know Equals Dinah kneading dough. Brown arms buried elbow-deep Their domestic rhythm keep, As with steady sweep they go Through the gently yielding dough. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Maids may vaunt their finer charms— Naught to me like Dinah's arms; Girls may draw, or paint, or sew — I love Dinah kneading dough. Eyes of jet and teeth of pearl, Hair, some say, too tight a-curl; But the dainty maid I deem Very near perfection's dream. Swift she works, and only flings Me a glance — the least of things. And I wonder, does she know That my heart is in the dough? TO A CAPTIOUS CRITIC Dear critic, who my lightness so deplores, Would I might study to be prince of bores, Right wisely would I rule that dull estate — But, sir, I may not, till you abdicate. DAT OL' MARE O' MINE Want to trade me, do you, mis- tah? Oh, well, now, I reckon not, W'y you could n't buy my Sukey fu' a thousan' on de spot. Dat ol' mare o' mine? [i Yes, huh coat ah long an' shaggy, an' she ain't no shakes to see; Dat's a ring-bone, yes, you right, suh, an' she got a on'ry knee, But dey ain't no use in talkin', she de only hoss fu' me, Dat ol' mare o' mine. Co'se, I knows dat Suke's con- tra'y, an' she moughty ap' to vex; But you got to mek erlowance fu' de nature of huh sex; Dat ol' mare o' mine. Ef you pull her on de lef' han'; she plum 'termined to go right, A cannon could n't skeer huh, but she boun' to tek a fright At a piece o' common paper, or anyt'ing whut's white, Dat ol' mare o' mine. Wen my eyes commence to fail me, dough, I trus'es to huh sight, An' she '11 tote me safe an' hones' on de ve'y da'kes' night, Dat ol' mare o' mine. Ef I whup huh, she jes' switch huh tail, an' settle to a walk, Ef I whup huh mo', she shek huh haid, an' lak ez not, she balk. THE COMPLETE POEMS OE But huh sense ain't no ways lackin', she do evah t'ing but talk, Dat oP mare o' mine. But she gentle ez a lady w'en she know huh beau kin see. An' she sholy got mo' gumption any day den you or me, Dat ol' mare o' mine. She's a leetle slow a-goin,' an' she moughty ha'd to sta't, But we's gittin' ol' togathah, an' she's closah to my hea't, An' I doesn't reckon, mistah, dat she'd sca'cely keer to pa't; Dat ol' mare o' mine. W'y I knows de time dat cidah's kin' o' muddled up my haid, Ef it had n't been fu' Sukey hyeah, I reckon I'd been daid ; Dat ol' mare o' mine. But she got me in de middle o' de road an' tuk me home, An* she would n't let me wandah, ner she would n't let me roam, Dat's de kin' o' hoss to tie to w'en you's seed de cidah's foam, Dat ol' mare o' mine. Dey is people, dey is hosses, den dey's cattle, den dey's— well — Dat ol' mare o' mine; She de beatenes' t'ing dat evah struck de medders o' de town, An' aldough huh haid ain't fittin' fu' to waih no golden crown. D' ain't a blessed way fu' Petah fu' to tu'n my Sukey down, Dat ol' mare o' mine. IN THE MORNING 'Lias! 'Lias! Bless de Lawd! Don' you know de day's erbroad ? Ef you don' git up, you scamp, Dey '11 be trouble in dis camp. T'ink I gwine to let you sleep W'ile I meks yo' boa'd an' keep? Dat's a putty howdy-do — Don' you hyeah me, 'Lias — you? Bet ef I come crost dis flo' You won' fin' no time to sno'. Daylight all a-shinin' in W'ile you sleep — w'y hit's a sin! Ain't de can'le-light enough To bu'n out widout a snuff, But you go de mo'nin' thoo Bu'nin' up de daylight too? You kin talk erbout yo' heaven, 'Lias, don' you hyeah me call? you kin talk erbout yo' hell, No use tu'nin' to'ds de wall; [190] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR I kin hyeah dat mattuss squeak; Don' you hyeah me w'en I speak? Dis hyeah clock done struck off six — Ca'line, bring me dem ah sticks! Oh, you down, suh; huh, you down — Look hyeah, don' you daih to frown. Ma'ch yo'se'f an' wash yo' face, Don' you splattah all de place; I got somep'n else to do, 'Sides jes' cleanin' aftah you. Tek dat comb an' fix yo' haid — Looks jes' lak a feddah baid. Look hyeah, boy, I let you see You sha' n't roll yo' eyes at me. Come hyeah; bring me dat ah strap! Boy, I '11 whup you 'twell you drap; You done felt yo'se'f too strong, An' you sholy got me wrong. Set down at dat table thaih; Jes' you whimpah ef you daih! Evah mo'nin' on dis place, Seem lak I mus' lose my grace. Fol' yo' han's an' bow yo' haid — Wait ontwell de blessin' 's said; " Lawd, have mussy on ouah souls —" (Don' you daih to tech dem rolls —) " Bless de food we gwine to eat —" [i (You set still — I see yo' feet; You jes' try dat trick agin!) " Gin us peace an' joy. Amen!" THE POET He sang of life, serenely sweet, With, now and then, a deeper note. From some high peak, nigh yet remote, He voiced the world's absorbing beat. He sang of love when earth was young, And Love, itself, was in his lays. But ah, the world, it turned to praise A jingle in a broken tongue. A FLORIDA NIGHT Win' a-blowin' gentle so de san' lay low, San' a little heavy f'om de rain, All de pa'ms a-wavin' an' a-weav- in' slow, Sighin' lak a sinnah-soul in pain. Alligator grinnin' by de ol' lagoon, Mockin'-bird a-singin' to be big full moon, i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF 'Skeeter go a-skimmin' to his fightin' chune (Lizy Ann's a-waitin' in de lane!). Moccasin a-sleepin' in de Cyprus swamp; Need n't wake de gent'man, not fu' me. Mule, you need n't wake him w'en you switch an' stomp, Fightin' off a 'skeeter er a flea. Florida is lovely, she's de fines' lan' Evah seed de sunlight f'om de Mastah's han', 'Ceptin' fu' de varmints an' huh fleas an' san' An' de nights w'en Lizy Ann ain' free. Moon's a-kinder shaddered on de melon patch; No one ain't a-watchin' ez I go- Climbin' of de fence so's not to click de latch Meks my gittin' in a little slow. Watermelon smilin' as it say, "I's free;" Alligator boomin', but I let him be, Florida, oh, Florida's de lan' fu' me — (Lizy Ann a-singin' sweet an' low). [i DIFFERENCES My neighbor lives on the hill, And I in the valley dwell, My neighbor must look down on me, Must I look up? — ah, well, My neighbor lives on the hill, And I in the valley dwell. My neighbor reads, and prays, And I — I laugh, God wot, And sing like a bird when the grass is green In my small garden plot; But ah, he reads and prays, And I — I laugh, God wot. His face is a book of woe, And mine is a song of glee; A slave he is to the great " They say," But I — I am bold and free; No wonder he smacks of woe, And I have the tang of glee. My neighbor thinks me a fool, " The same to yourself," say I; " Why take your books and take your prayers, Give me the open sky;" My neighbor thinks me a fool, " The same to yourself," say I. LONG AGO De ol' time's gone, de new time's hyeah Wid all hits fuss an' feddahs; PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR I done fu'got de joy an' cheah We knowed all kin's o' wed- dahs, I done fu'got each ol'-time hymn We ust to sing in meetin'; I's leahned de prah's, so neat an' trim, De preachah keeps us 'peatin'. Hang a vine by de chimney side, An' one by de cabin do'; An' sing a song fu' de day dat died, De day of long ergo. My youf, hit's gone, yes, long ergo, An' yit I ain't a-moanin'; Hit's fu' somet'ings I ust to know I set to-night a-honin'. De pallet on de ol' plank flo', De rain bar'l und' de eaves, De live oak 'fo' de cabin do', Whaih de night dove comes an' grieves. Hang a vine by de chimney side, An' one by de cabin do'; An' sing a song fu' de day dat died, De day of long ergo. I'd lak a few ol' frien's to-night To come an' set wid me; An' let me feel dat ol' delight I ust to in dey glee. But hyeah we is, my pipe an' me, Wid no one else erbout; [i We bofe is choked ez choked kin be, An' bofe '11 soon go out. Hang a vine by de chimney side, An' one by de cabin do'; An' sing a song fu' de day dat died, De day of long ergo. A PLANTATION MELODY De trees is bendin' in de sto'm, De rain done hid de mountain's fo'm, I's 'lone an' in distress. But listen, dah's a voice I hyeah, A-sayin' to me, loud an' cleah, " Lay low in de wildaness." De lightnin' flash, de bough sway low, My po' sick hea't is trimblin' so, It hu'ts my very breas'. But him dat give de lightnin' powah Jes' bids me in de tryin' howah " Lay low in de wildaness." O brothah, w'en de tempes' beat, An' w'en yo' weary head an' feet Can't fin' no place to res', Jes' 'membah dat de Mastah's nigh, An' putty soon you '11 hyeah de cry, " Lay low in de wildaness." THE COMPLETE POEMS OF O sistah, w'en de rain come down, Oh, orphans a-weepin' lak de wid- An' all yo' hopes is 'bout to der do, drown, An' I wish you'd tell me why: Don't trus' de Mastah less. De Mastah is a mammy an' a He smilin' w'en you t'ink he pappy too; frown, Lif' up yo' haid w'en de King He ain' gwine let yo' soul sink go by! down — Lay low in de wildaness. Oh, Moses sot de sarpint in de wildahness W'en de chillun had com¬ menced to die: Some 'efused to look, but hit De 'cession's stahted on de gospel cuohed de res ; wayj Lif' up yo' haid w'en de King De Capting is a-drawin' nigh: £° by! Bettah stop a-foolin' an' a-try to Bow down> w >way down> * Bow down, Lif' up yo haid w'en de King But ]i£) up yQ> haid ^ de K!ng A SPIRITUAL go by! go by! Oh, sinnah mou'nin' in de dusty road, THE MEMORY OF Hyeah's de minute fu' to dry MARTHA yo' eye: Dey's a moughty One a-comin' Out in de night a sad bird moans, fu' to baih yo' load; ^ oh> but hit's moughty Lif' up yo' haid w'en de King lonely; g0 jjyj Times I kin sing, but mos' I groans, Oh, widder weepin' by yo' hus- Fu' oh, but hit's moughty ban's grave, lonely! Hit's bettah fu' to sing den Is you sleepin' well dis evenin', sigh: Marfy, deah? Hyeah come de Mastah wid de W'en I calls you f'om de cabin, powah to save; kin you hyeah? Lif' up yo' haid w'en de King 'T ain't de same ol' place to me, go by! Nuffin''s lak hit used to be, C194J PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR ,W'en I knowed dat you was alius W'EN I GITS HOME some'ers near. It's moughty tiahsome layin' Down by de road de sliadders 'roun' grows, Dis sorrer-laden earfly groun', An', oh, but hit's moughty An' oftentimes I thinks, thinks lonely; I, Seem lak de ve'y moonlight 'T would be a sweet t'ing des to knows, die, An', oh, but hit's moughty An' go 'long home, lonely! Does you know, I's cryin' fu' you, Home whaih de frien's I loved '11 oh, my wife? say, Does you know dey ain't no joy " We've waited fu' you many a no mo' in life? day, An' my only t'ought is dis, Come hyeah an' res' yo'se'f, an' Dat I's honin' fu' de bliss know Fu' to quit dis groun' o' worri- You's done wid sorrer an' wid ment an' strife. woe, Now you's at home." Dah on de baid my banjo lays, An', oh, but hit's moughty Wen I gits home some blessid lonely; day, Can't even sta't a chune o' praise, I 'lows to th'ow my caihs erway, An', oh, but hit's moughty An' up an' down de shinin' street, lonely! Go singin' sof' an' low an' sweet, Oh, hit's moughty slow a-waitin' Wen I gits home, hyeah below. Is you watchin' fu' me, Marfy, I wish de day was neah at han\ at de do' ? I's tiahed of dis grievin' lan', Ef you is, in spite o' sin, I's tiahed of de lonely yeahs, Dey '11 be sho' to let me in, I want to des dry up my teahs, W'en dey sees yo' face a-shinin', An' go 'long home. den dey'11 know. Oh, Mastah, won't you sen' de call? My frien's is daih, my hope, my all. [195] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF I's waitin' whaih de road is rough, I want to hyeah you say, " Enough, Ol' man, come home!" "HOWDY, HONEY, HOWDY!" Do' a-stan'in' on a jar, fiah a-shinin' thoo, Ol' folks drowsin' 'roun' de place, wide awake is Lou, W'en I tap, she answeh, an' I see huh 'mence to grin, " Howdy, honey, howdy, won't you step right in ? " Den I step erpon de log layin' at de do', Bless de Lawd, huh mammy an' huh pap's done 'menced to sno', Now's de time, ef evah, ef I's gwine to try an' win, " Howdy, honey, howdy, won't you step right in ? " No use playin' on de aidge, trimblin' on de brink, W'en a body love a gal, tell huh whut he t'ink; W'en huh hea't is open fu' de love you gwine to gin, Pull yo'se'f togethah, suh, an' step right in. Sweetes' imbitation dat a body evah hyeahed, [i Sweetah den de music of a love¬ sick mockin'-bird, Comin' f'om de gal you loves bet- tah den yo' kin, " Howdy, honey, howdy, won't you step right in ? " At de gate o' heaven w'en de storm o' life is pas', 'Spec' I '11 be a-stan'in', 'twell de Mastah say at las', " Hyeah he stan' all weary, but he winned his fight wid sin. Howdy, honey, howdy, won't you step right in ? " THE UNSUNG HEROES A song for the unsung heroes who rose in the country's need, When the life of the land was threatened by the slaver's cruel greed, For the men who came from the cornfield, who came from the plough and the flail, Who rallied round when they heard the sound of the mighty man of the rail. They laid them down in the val¬ leys, they laid them down in the wood, And the world looked on at the work they did, and whis¬ pered, " It is good." PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR They fought their way on the hillside, they fought their way in the glen, And God looked down on their sinews brown, and said, " I have made them men." And the great smoke wreath that mingled its hue with the dusky cloud, Was the flag that furled o'er a saddened world, and the sheet that made their shroud. They went to the blue lines gladly, and the blue lines took them in, And the men who saw their muskets' fire thought not of their dusky skin. The gray lines rose and melted beneath their scathing show¬ ers, And they said, " 'T is true, they have force to do, these old slave boys of ours." Ah, Wagner saw their glory, and Pillow knew their blood, That poured on a nation's altar, a sacrificial flood. Port Hudson heard their war-cry that smote its smoke-filled air, And the old free fires of their savage sires again were kindled there. They laid them down where the rivers the greening valleys gem. And the song of the thund'rous cannon was their sole re¬ quiem, [i Oh, Mighty God of the Battles Who held them in Thy hand, Who gave them strength through the whole day's length, to fight for their native land, They are lying dead on the hill¬ sides, they are lying dead on the plain, And we have not fire to smite the lyre and sing them one brief strain. Give, Thou, some seer the power to sing them in their might, The men who feared the master's whip, but did not fear the fight; That he may tell of their virtues as minstrels did of old, Till the pride of face and the hate of race grow obsolete and cold. A song for the unsung heroes who stood the awful test, When the humblest host that the land could boast went forth to meet the best; A song for the unsung heroes who fell on the bloody sod, 97] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Who fought their way from night to day and struggled up to God. THE POOL By the pool that I see in my dreams, dear love, I have sat with you time and again; And listened beneath the dank leaves, dear love, To the sibilant sound of the rain. And the pool, it is silvery bright, dear love, And as pure as the heart of a maid, As sparkling and dimpling, it darkles and shines In the depths of the heart of the glade. But, oh, I've a wish in my soul, dear love, (The wish of a dreamer, it seems,) That I might wash free of my sins, dear love, In the pool that I see in my dreams. POSSESSION Whose little lady is you, chile, Whose little gal is you? [i What's de use o' kiver'n up yo' face? Chile, dat ain't de way to do. Lemme see yo' little eyes, Tek yo' little han's down nice, Lawd, you wuff a million bills, Huh uh, chile, dat ain't yo' price. Honey, de money ain't been made Dat dey could pay fu' you; 'T ain't no use a-biddin'; you too high Fu' de riches' Jap er Jew. Lemme see you smilin' now, How dem teef o' yo'n do shine, An' de t'ing dat meks me laff Is dat all o' you is mine. How's I gwine to tell you how I feel, How's I gwine to weigh yo' wuff? Oh, you sholy is de sweetes' t'ing Walkin' on dis blessed earf. Possum is de sweetes' meat, Cidah is the nices' drink, But my little lady-bird Is de bes' of all, I t'ink. Talk erbout 'uligion he'pin' folks All thoo de way o' life, Gin de res' 'uligion, des' gin me You, my little lady-wife. Den de days kin come all ha'd, Den de nights kin come all black, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Des' you tek me by de han', An' I '11 stumble on de track. Stumble on de way to Gawd, my chile, Stumble on, an' mebbe fall; But I '11 keep a-trottin', while you lead on, Pickin' an' a-trottin', dat's all. Hoi' me mighty tight, dough, chile, Fu' hit's rough an' rocky lan', Heaben's at de en', I know, So I's leanin' on yo' han'. THE OLD FRONT GATE W'en daih's chillun in de house, Dey keep on a-gittin' tall; But de folks don' seem to see Dat dey's growin' up at all, 'Twell dey fin' out some fine day Dat de gals has 'menced to grow, W'en dey notice as dey pass Dat de front gate's saggin' low. W'en de hinges creak an' cry, An' de bahs go slantin' down, You kin reckon dat hit's time Fu' to cas' yo* eye erroun', 'Cause daih ain't no 'sputin' dis, Hit's de trues' sign to show Dat daih's cou'tin' goin' on W'en de ol' front gate sags low. Oh, you grumble an' complain, An' you prop dat gate up right; [i But you notice right nex' day Dat hit's in de same ol' plight. So you fin' dat hit's a rule, An' daih ain' no use to blow, W'en de gals is growin' up, Dat de front gate will sag low. Den you t'ink o' yo' young days, W'en you cou'ted Sally Jane, An' you so't o' feel ashamed Fu' to grumble an' complain, 'Cause yo' ricerlection says, An' you know hits wo'ds is so, Dat huh pappy had a time Wid his front gate saggin' low. So you jes' looks on an' smiles At 'em leanin' on de gate, Tryin' to t'ink whut he kin say Fu' to keep him daih so late, But you lets dat gate erlone, Fu' yo' 'sperunce goes to show, 'Twell de gals is ma'ied off, It gwine keep on saggin' low. DIRGE FOR A SOLDIER In the east the morning comes, Hear the rollin' of the drums On the hill. But the heart that beat as they beat In the battle's raging day heat Lieth still. Unto him the night has come, Though they roll the morning drum. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF What is in the bugle's blast? It is: " Victory at last! Now for rest." But, my comrades, come behold him, Where our colors now enfold him, And his breast Bares no more to meet the blade, But lies covered in the shade. What a stir there is to-day! They are laying him away Where he fell. There the flag goes draped before him; Now they pile the grave sod o'er him With a knell. And he answers to his name In the higher ranks of fame. There's a woman left to mourn For the child that she has borne In travail. But her heart beats high and higher, With the patriot mother's fire, At the tale. She has borne and lost a son, But her work and his are done. Fling the flag out, let it wave; They 're returning from the grave — " Double quick! " And the cymbals now are crash¬ ing, Bright his comrades' eyes are flash¬ ing From the thick Battle-ranks which knew him brave, No tears for a hero's grave. In the east the morning comes, Hear the rattle of the drums Far away. Now no time for grief's pursuing, Other work is for the doing, Here to-day. He is sleeping, let him rest With the flag across his breast. A FROLIC Swing yo' lady roun' an' roun', Do de bes' you know; Mek yo' bow an' p'omenade Up an' down de flo'; Mek dat banjo hump huhse'f, Listen at huh talk: Mastah gone to town to-night; 'T ain't no time to walk. Lif' yo' feet an' flutter thoo, Run, Miss Lucy, run; Reckon you '11 be cotched an' kissed 'Fo' de night is done. You don't need to be so proud — I's a-watchin' you, An' I's layin' lots o' plans Fu' to git you, too. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Moonlight on de cotton-fiel' Shinin' sof' an' white, Whippo'will a-tellin' tales Out thaih ir de night; An' yo' cabin's 'crost de lot: Run, Miss Lucy, run; Reckon you '11 be cotched an' kissed 'Fo' de night is done. NODDIN' BY DE FIRE Some folks t'inks hit's right an' p'opah, Soon ez bedtime come erroun', Fu' to scramble to de kiver, Lak dey'd hyeahed de trumpet soun'. But dese people dey all misses Whut I mos'ly does desiah; Dat's de settin' roun' an' dozin', An' a-noddin' by de fiah. When you's tiahed out a-hoein', Er a-followin' de plough, Whut's de use of des a-fallin' On yo' pallet lak a cow? W'y, de fun is all in waitin' In de face of all de tiah, An' a-dozin' and a-drowsin' By a good ol' hick'ry fiah. Oh, you grunts an' groans an' mumbles Case yo' bones is full o' col', Dough you feels de joy a-tricklin' Roun' de co'nahs of yo' soul. An' you 'low anothah minute 'S sho to git you wa'm an' dry ah, W'en you set up pas' yo' bedtime, Case you hates to leave de fiah. Whut's de use o' downright sleepin'? You can't feel it while it las', An' you git up feelin' sorry W'en de time fu' it is pas'. Seem to me dat time too precious, An' de houahs too short entiah, Fu' to sleep, w'en you could spen' 'em Des a-noddin' by de fiah. LOVE'S CASTLE Key and bar, key and bar, Iron bolt and chain! And what will you do when the King comes To enter his domain? Turn key and lift bar, Loose, oh, bolt and chain! Open the door and let him in, And then lock up again. But, oh, heart, and woe, heart, Why do you ache so sore? Never a moment's peace have you Since Love hath passed the door. i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Turn key and lift bar, And loose bolt and chain; But Love took in his esquire, Grief, And there they both remain. MORNING SONG OF LOVE Darling, my darling, my heart is on the wing, It flies to thee this morning like a bird, Like happy birds in springtime my spirits soar and sing, The same sweet song thine ears have often heard. The sun is in my window, the shadow on the lea, The wind is moving in the branches green, And all my life, my darling, is turning unto thee, And kneeling at thy feet, my own, my queen. The golden bells are ringing across the distant hill, Their merry peals come to me soft and clear, But in my heart's deep chapel all incense-filled and still A sweeter bell is sounding for thee, dear. The bell of love invites thee to come and seek the shrine Whose altar is erected unto thee, The offerings, the sacrifice, the prayers, the chants are thine, And I, my love, thy humble priest will be. ON A CLEAN BOOK to f. n. Like sea-washed sand upon the shore, So fine and clean the tale, So clear and bright I almost see, The flashing of a sail. The tang of salt is in its veins, The freshness of the spray God give you love and lore and strength, To give us such alway. TO THE EASTERN SHORE I's feelin' kin' o' lonesome in my little room to-night, An' my min's done los' de min¬ utes an' de miles, Wile it teks me back a-flyin' to de country of delight, WTiaih de Chesapeake goes grumblin' er wid smiles. Oh, de ol' plantation's callin' to me, Come, come back, *] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Hyeah's de place fu' you to la- bouh an' to res', 'Fu my sandy roads is gleam- in' w'ile de city ways is black ; Come back, honey, case yo' country home is bes'. I know de moon is shinin' down erpon de Eastern sho', An' de bay's a-sayin' " How¬ dy " to de lan'; An' de folks is all a-settin' out erroun' de cabin do', Wid dey feet a-restin' in de sil- vah san'; An' de ol' plantation's callin' to me, Come, oh, come, F'om de life dat's des' a-waih- in' you erway, F'om de trouble an' de bustle, an' de agernizin' hum Dat de city keeps ergoin' all de day. I's tiahed of de city, tek me back to Sandy Side, Whaih de po'est ones kin live an' play an' eat; Whaih we draws a simple livin' f'om de fo'est an' de tide, An' de days ah faih, an' evah night is sweet. Fu' de ol' plantation's callin' to me, Come, oh, come. An' de Chesapeake's a-sayin' " Dat's de t'ing," W'ile my little cabin beckons, dough his mouf is closed an' dumb, I's a-comin, an' my hea't be¬ gins to sing. RELUCTANCE Will I have some mo' dat pie? No, ma'am, thank-ee, dat is — I — Bettah quit daihin' me. Dat ah pie look sutny good: How'd you feel now ef I would? I don' reckon dat I should; Bettah quit daihin' me. Look hyeah, I gwine tell de truf, Mine is sholy one sweet toof: Bettah quit daihin' me. Yass'm, yass'm, dat's all right, I's done tried to be perlite: But dat pie's a lakly sight, Wha's de use o' daihin' me? My, yo' lips is full an' red, Don't I wish you'd tu'n yo' haid ? Bettah quit daihin' me. Dat ain't faih, now, honey chile, I's gwine lose my sense erwhile Ef you des set daih an' smile, Bettah quit daihin' me. Nuffin' don' look ha'f so fine Ez dem teef, deah, w'en dey shine: Bettah quit daihin' me. Now look hyeah, I tells you dis; THE COMPLETE POEMS OF I '11 give up all othah bliss Des to have one little kiss, Bettah quit daihin' me. Laws, I teks yo' little han', Ain't it tendah? bless de Ian'— Bettah quit daihin' me. I's so lonesome by myse'f, 'D ain't no fun in livin' lef'; Dis hyeah life's ez dull ez def: Bettah quit daihin' me. Why n't you tek yo' han' erway? Yass, I '11 hoi' it: but I say Bettah quit daihin' me. Holin' han's is sholy fine. Seems lak dat's de weddin' sign. Wish you'd say dat you'd be mine;— Dah you been daihin' me. BALLADE By Mystic's banks I held my dream. (I held my fishing rod as well,) The vision was of dace and bream, A fruitless vision, sooth to tell. But round about the sylvan dell Were other sweet Arcadian shrines, Gone now, is all the rural spell, Arcadia has trolley lines. Oh, once loved, sluggish, darkling stream, For me no more, thy waters swell, Thy music now the engines' scream, Thy fragrance now the factory's smell; Too near for me the clanging bell; A false light in the water shines While Solitude lists to her knell,— Arcadia has trolley lines. Thy wooded lanes with shade and gleam Where bloomed the fragrant as¬ phodel, Now bleak commercially teem With signs " To Let," "To Buy," "To Sell." And Commerce holds them fierce and fell; With vulgar sport she now com¬ bines Sweet Nature's piping voice to quell. Arcadia has trolley lines. l'envoi. Oh, awful Power whose works repel The marvel of the earth's de¬ signs,— I '11 hie me otherwhere to dwell, Arcadia has trolley lines. [204] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR SPEAKIN' AT DE COU'T- HOUSE Dey been speakin' at de cou't- house, An' laws-a-massy me, 'T was de beatness kin' o' doin's Dat evah I did see. Of cose I had to be dah In de middle o' de crowd, An' I hallohed wid de othahs, W'en de speakah riz and bowed. I was kind o' disapp'inted At de smallness of de man, Case I'd alius pictered great folks On a mo' expansive plan; But I t'ought I could respect him An' tek in de wo'ds he said, Fu' dey sho was somp'n knowin' In de bald spot on his haid. But hit did seem so't o' funny Aftah waitin' fu' a week Dat de people kep' on shoutin' So de man des could n't speak; De ho'ns dey blared a little, Den dey let loose on de drums,—■ Some one tol' me dey was playin' " See de conkerin' hero comes." " Well," says I, " you all is white folks, But you's sutny actin' queer, What's de use of heroes comin' Ei dey cain't talk w'en "dey's here?" Aftah while dey let him open, An' dat man he waded in, An' he fit de wahs all ovah Winnin' victeries lak sin. W'en he come down to de present, Den he made de feathahs fly. He des waded in on money, An' he played de ta'iff high. An' he said de colah question, Hit was ovah, solved, an' done, Dat de dahky was his brothah, Evah blessed mothah's son. Well he settled all de trouble Dat's been pesterin' de lan', Den he set down mid de cheerin' An' de playin' of de ban'. I was feelin' moughty happy 'Twell I hyeahed somebody speak, " Well, dat's his side of de bus'- ness, But you wait for Jones nex' week." BLACK SAMSON OF BRANDYWINE " In the fight at Brandywine, Black Samson, a giant negro armed with a scythe, sweeps his way through the red ranks. . . ." C. M. Skinner's " Myths and Legends of Our Own Land." Gray are the pages of record, Dim are the volumes of eld; Else had old Delaware told us More that her history held. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Told us with pride in the story, Honest and noble and fine, More of the tale of my hero, Black Samson of Brandy wine. Sing of your chiefs and your no¬ bles, Saxon and Celt and Gaul, Breath of mine ever shall join you, Highly I honor them all. Give to them all of their glory, But for this noble of mine, Lend him a tithe of your tribute, Black Samson of Brandywine. There in the heat of the battle, There in the stir of the fight, Loomed he, an ebony giant, Black as the pinions of night. Swinging his scythe like a mower Over a field of grain, Needless the care of the gleaners, Where he had passed amain. Straight through the human har¬ vest, Cutting a bloody swath, Woe to you, soldier of Briton! Death is abroad in his path. Flee from the scythe of the reaper, Flee while the moment is thine, None may with safety withstand him, Black Samson of Brandywine. Was he a freeman or bondman? Was he a man or a thing? What does it matter? His brav- 'ry Renders him royal — a king. If he was only a chattel, Honor the ransom may pay Of the royal, the loyal black giant Who fought for his country that day. Noble and bright is the story, Worthy the touch of the lyre, Sculptor or poet should find it Full of the stuff to inspire. Beat it in brass and in copper, Tell it in storied line, So that the world may remember Black Samson of Brandywine. THE LOOKING-GLASS Dinah stan' befo' de glass, Lookin' moughty neat, An' huh purty shadder sass At huh haid an' feet. While she sasshay 'roun' an' bow, Smilin' den an' poutin' now, An' de lookin'-glass, I 'low Say: " Now, ain't she sweet? " All she do, de glass it see, Hit des see, no mo', Seems to me, hit ought to be Drappin' on de flo'. She go w'en huh time git slack, Kissin' han's an' smilin' back, Lawsy, how my lips go smack, Watchin' at de do'. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Wisht I was huh lookin'-glass, W'en she kissed huh han'; Does you t'ink I'd let it pass, Settin' on de stan'? No; I'd des' fall down an' break, Kin' o' glad 't uz fu' huh sake; But de diffunce, dat whut make Lookin'-glass an' man. A MISTY DAY Heart of my heart, the day is chill, The mist hangs low o'er the wooded hill, The soft white mist and the heavy cloud The sun and the face of heaven shroud. The birds are thick in the dripping trees, That drop their pearls to the beg¬ gar breeze; No songs are rife where songs are wont, Each singer crouches in his haunt. Heart of my heart, the day is chill, Whene'er thy loving voice is still, The cloud and mist hide the sky from me, Whene'er thy face I cannot see. My thoughts fly back from the chill without, My mind in the storm drops doubt on doubt, No songs arise. Without thee, love, My soul sinks down like a fright¬ ened dove. LI'L' GAL Oh, de weathah it is balmy an' de breeze is sighin' low. LiT g»l, ^ An' de mockin' bird is singin' in de locus' by de do', Li'l' gal; Dere's a hummin' an' a bummin' in de lan' f'om eas' to wes', I's a-sighin' fu' you, honey, an' I nevah know no res'. Fu' dey's lots o' trouble brewin' an' a-stewin' in my breas', Li'l' gal. Whut's de mattah wid de weathah, whut's de mattah wid de breeze, Li'l' gal? Whut's de mattah wid de locus' dat's a-singin' in de trees, Li'l' gal? W'y dey knows dey ladies love 'em, an' dey knows dey love 'em true, An' dey love 'em back, I reckon, des' lak I's a-lovin' you; Dat's de reason dey's a-weavin' an' a-sighin', thoo an' thoo, LiT gal, THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Don't you let no da'ky fool you 'cause de clo'es he waihs is fine, LIT gal. Dey's a hones' hea't a-beatin' un- nerneaf dese rags o' mine, LiT gal. Cose dey ain' no use in mockin' whut de birds an' weathah do, But I's so'y I cain't 'spress it w'en I knows I loves you true, Dat's de reason I's a-sighin' an' a-singin now fu' you, LiT gal. DOUGLASS Ah, Douglass, we have fall'n on evil days, Such days as thou, not even thou didst know, When thee, the eyes of that harsh long ago Saw, salient, at the cross of devious . ways, And all the country heard thee with amaze. Not ended then, the passionate ebb and flow, The awful tide that battled to and fro; We ride amid a tempest of dis¬ praise. Now, when the waves of swift dis¬ sension swarm, 0 And Honor, the strong pilot, lieth stark, Oh, for thy voice high-sounding o'er the storm, For thy strong arm to guide the shivering bark, The blast-defying power of thy form, To give us comfort through the lonely dark. WHEN SAM'L SINGS Hyeah dat singin' in de medders Whaih de folks is mekin' hay? Wo'k is pretty middlin' heavy Fu' a man to be so gay. You kin tell dey's somep'n special F'om de canter o' de song; Somep'n sholy pleasin' Sam'l, W'en he singin' all day long. Hyeahd him wa'blin' 'way dis mo'nin' 'Fo' 't was light enough to see. Seem lak music in de evenin' Alius good enough fu' me. But dat man commenced to hollah 'Fo' he'd even washed his face; Would you b'lieve, de scan'lous rascal Woke de birds erroun' de place? Sam'l took a trip a-Sad'day; Dressed hisse'f in all he had, Tuk a cane an' went a-strollin', Lookin' mighty pleased an' glad. 8] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Some folks don' know whut de mattah, But I do, you bet yo' life; Sam'l smilin' an' a-singin' 'Case he been to see his wife. She live on de fu' plantation, Twenty miles erway er so; But huh man is mighty happy W'en he git de chanst to go. Walkin' alius ain' de nices'— Mo'nin' fin's him on de way — But he alius comes back smilin', Lak his pleasure was his pay.' Den he do a heap o' talkin', Do' he mos'ly kin' o' still, But de wo'ds, dey gits to runnin' Lak de watah fu' a mill. " Whut's de use o' havin' trouble, Whut's de use o' havin' strife ? " Dat's de way dis Sam'l preaches W'en he been to see his wife. An' I reckon I git jealous, Fu' I laff an' joke an' sco'n, An' I say, " Oh, go on, Sam'l, Des go on, an' blow yo' ho'n." But I know dis comin' Sad'day, Dey '11 be brighter days in life; An' I '11 be ez glad ez Sam'l W'en I go to see my wife. BOOKER T. WASHINGTON The word is writ that he who runs may read. [2 What is the passing breath of earthly fame? But to snatch glory from the hands of blame — That is to be, to live, to strive in¬ deed. A poor Virginia cabin gave the seed, And from its dark and lowly door there came A peer of princes in the world's acclaim, A master spirit for the nation's need. Strong, silent, purposeful beyond his kind, The mark of rugged force on brow and lip, Straight on he goes, nor turns to look behind Where hot the hounds come baying at his hip; With one idea foremost in his mind, Like the keen prow of some on- forging ship. THE MONK'S WALK In this sombre garden close What has come and passed, who knows? What red passion, what white pain Haunted this dim walk in vain? Underneath the ivied wall, Where the silent shadows, fall, THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Lies the pathway chill and damp Where the world-quit dreamers tramp. Just across, where sunlight burns, Smiling at the mourning fejns, Stand the roses, side by side, Nodding in their useless pride. Ferns and roses, who shall say What you witness day by day? Covert smile or dropping eye, As the monks go pacing by. Has the novice come to-day Here beneath the wall to pray? Has the young monk, lately chid¬ den, Sung his lyric, sweet, forbidden? Tell me, roses, did you note That pale father's throbbing throat ? Did you hear him murmur, " Love!"' As he kissed a faded glove? Mourning ferns, pray tell me why Shook you with that passing sigh? Is it that you chanced to spy Something in the Abbot's eye? Here no dream, nor thought of sin, Where no worlding enters in; Here no longing, no desire, Heat nor flame of earthly fire. Branches waving green above, Whisper naught of life nor love; Softened winds that seem a breath, Perfumed, bring no fear of death. Is it living thus to live? Has life nothing more to give? Ah, no more of smile or sigh — Life, the world, and love, good¬ bye. Gray, and passionless, and dim, Echoing of the solemn hymn, Lies the walk, 'twixt fern and rose, Here within the garden close. LOVE-SONG If Death should claim me for her own to-day, And softly I should falter from your side, Oh, tell me, loved one, would my memory stay, And would my image in your heart abide? Or should I be as some forgotten dream, That lives its little space, then fades entire? Should Time send o'er you its relentless stream, To cool your heart, and quench for aye love's fire? I would not for the world, love, give you pain, Or ever compass what would cause you grief; [210] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR And, oh, how well I know that tears are vain! But love is sweet, my dear, and life is brief; So if some day before you I should go Beyond the sound and sight of song and sea, 'T would give my spirit stronger wings to know That you remembered still and wept for me. SLOW THROUGH THE DARK Slow moves the pageant of a climbing race; Their footsteps drag far, far be¬ low the height, And, unprevailing by their ut¬ most might, Seem faltering downward from each hard won place. No strange, swift-sprung excep¬ tion we; we trace A devious way thro' dim, uncer¬ tain light,— Our hope, through the long vistaed years, a sight Of that our Captain's soul sees face to face. Who, faithless, faltering that the road is steep, Now raiseth up his drear insistent cry j [21 Who stoppeth here to spend a while in sleep Or curseth that the storm obscures the sky? Heed not the darkness round you, dull and deep; The clouds grow thickest when the summit's nigh. THE MURDERED LOVER Say a mass for my soul's repose, my brother, Say a mass for my soul's repose, I need it, Lovingly lived we, the sons of one mother, Mine was the sin, but I pray you not heed it. Dark were her eyes as the sloe and they called me, Called me with voice indepen¬ dent of breath. God! how my heart beat; her beauty appalled me, Dazed me, and drew to the sea- brink of death. Lithe was her form like a willow. She beckoned, What could I do save to follow and follow, Nothing of right or result could be reckoned; Life without her was unworthy and hollow. i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Ay, but I wronged thee, my Say a mass for my soul, I need brother, my brother; it. Ah, but I loved her, thy beauti- Sin of mine was it, and sin of no other, Mine was it all, but I pray you not heed it. ful wife. Shade of our father, and soul of our mother, Have I not paid for my love with my life? Dark was the night when, re¬ vengeful, I met you, Deep in the heart of a desolate land. Warm was the life-blood which angrily wet you Sharp was the knife that I felt How one 0USht t0 live 80 Peasant from your hand. _ i_i_ secretly sank. PHILOSOPHY I been t'inkin' 'bout de preachah; whut he said de othah night, 'Bout hit bein' people's dooty, fu' to keep dey faces bright; Ha, now I see that you tremble and shiver; 'T was but my spirit that passed when you shrank! Weep not, oh, weep not, 't is over, 't is over; Stir the dark weeds with the turn of the tide; Go, thou hast sent me forth, ever a rover, Rest and the sweet realm of 1S mos a^ Putty likely fu to heaven denied. ^avf our cares, An' I think we 'se doin' fus' rate Say a mass for my soul's repose, w'en we jes' go long and my brother, bears, [212] not a t'ing dat soun's lak fac', But you don't ketch folks a-grin- nin' wid a misery in de back; An' you don't fin' dem a-smilin' w'en dey's hongry ez kin be, Leastways, dat's how human natur' alius seems to 'pear to me. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Widout breakin' up ouah faces in a sickly so't o' grin, W'en we knows dat in ouah in¬ nards we is p'intly mad ez sin. Oh dey's times fu' bein' pleasant an' fu' goin' smilin' roun', 'Cause I don't believe in people alius totin' roun' a frown, But it's easy 'nough to titter w'en de stew is smokin' hot, But hit's mighty ha'd to giggle w'en dey's nuffin' in de pot. A PREFERENCE Mastah drink his ol' Made'a, Missy drink huh sherry wine, Ovahseah lak his whiskey, But dat othah drink is mine, Des' 'lasses an' watah, 'lasses an' watah. W'en you git a steamin' hoe-cake On de table, go way, man! 'D ain but one t'ing to go wid it, 'Sides de gravy in de pan, Dat's 'lasses an' watah, 'lasses an' watah. W'en hit's 'possum dat you eatin', 'Simmon beer is moughty sweet; But fu' evahday consumin' 'D ain't no mo'tal way to beat Des' 'lasses an' watah, 'lasses an' watah. W'y de bees is alius busy, An' ain' got no time to was'? Hit's beca'se dey knows de honey Dey's a makin', gwine to tas' Lak 'lasses an' watah, 'lasses an' watah. Oh, mil' an hit's moughty soothin', An' hit don' go to yo' haid; Dat's de reason I's a-backin' Up de othah wo'ds I said, " Des 'lasses an' watah, 'lasses an' watah.'-' THE DEBT This is the debt I pay Just for one riotous day, Years of regret and grief, Sorrow without relief. Pay it I will to the end — Until the grave, my friend, Gives me a true release — Gives me the clasp of peace. Slight was the thing I bought, Small was the debt I thought, Poor was the loan at best — God! but the interest! [213] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF ON THE DEDICATION OF To labor bravely, nobly, and be DOROTHY HALL tuskegee, ala., april 22, 1901. Not to the midnight of the gloomy past, Do we revert to-day; we look upon The golden present and the future vast [Whose vistas show us visions of the dawn. Nor shall the sorrows of departed years The sweetness of our tranquil souls annoy, The sunshine of our hopes dispels the tears, And clears our eyes to see this later joy. Not ever in the years that God hath given Have we gone friendless down the thorny way, Always the clouds of pregnant black were riven By flashes from His own eternal day. or gray: The women of a race should be its For me, the lone, cool way by purl- glad. God give to these within this tem¬ ple here, Clear vision of the dignity of toil, That virtue in them may its blos¬ soms rear Unspotted, fragrant, from the lowly soil. God bless the givers for their noble deed, Shine on them with the mercy of Thy face, Who come with open hearts to help and speed The striving women of a strug¬ gling race. A ROADWAY Let those who will stride on their barren roads And prick themselves to haste with self-made goads, Unheeding, as they struggle day by day, If flowers be sweet or skies be blue pride; ing brooks, We glory in the strength our The solemn quiet of the woodland mothers had, nooks, We glory that this strength was A song-bird sbmewhere trilling not denied [214] sadly gay, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR A pause to pick a flower beside the way. BY RUGGED WAYS By rugged ways and thro' the night We struggle blindly toward the light; And groping, stumbling, ever pray For sight of long delaying day. The cruel thorns beside the road Stretch eager points our steps to goad, And from the thickets all about Detaining hands reach threatening out. " Deliver us, oh, Lord," we cry, Our hands uplifted to the sky. No answer save the thunder's peal, And onward, onward, still we reel. " Oh, give us now thy guiding light;" Our sole reply, the lightning's blight. " Vain, vain," cries one, " in vain we call;" But faith serene is over all. Beside our way the streams are dried, And famine mates us side by side. Discouraged and reproachful eyes Seek once again the frowning skies. Yet shall there come, spite storm and shock, A Moses who shall smite the rock, [2 Call manna from the Giver's hand, And lead us to the promised landl The way is dark and cold and steep, And shapes of horror murder sleep, And hard the unrelenting years; But 'twixt our sighs and moans and tears, We still can smile, we still can sing, Despite the arduous journeying. For faith and hope their courage lend, And rest and light are at the end. LOVE'S SEASONS When the bees are humming in the honeysuckle vine And the summer days are in their bloom, Then my love is deepest, oh, dearest heart of mine, When the bees are humming in the honeysuckle vine. When the winds are moaning o'er the meadows chill and gray, And the land is dim with winter gloom, Then for thee, my darling, love will have its way, When the winds are moaning o'er the meadows chill and gray. In the vernal dawning with the starting of the leaf, 5] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF In the merry-chanting time of spring, Love steals all my senses, oh, the happy-hearted thief! In the vernal morning with the starting of the leaf. Always, ever always, even in the autumn drear, When the days are sighing out their grief, Thou art still my darling, dear¬ est of the dear, Always, ever always, even in the autumn drear. TO A DEAD FRIEND It is as if a silver chord Were suddenly grown mute, And life's song with its rhythm warred Against a silver lute. It is as if a silence fell Where bides the garnered sheaf, And voices murmuring, " It is well," Are stifled by our grief. It is as if the gloom of night Had hid a summer's day, And willows, sighing at their plight, Bent low beside the way. For he was part of all the best .That Nature loves and gives, [2 And ever more on Memory's breast He lies and laughs and lives. TO THE SOUTH on its new slavery Heart of the Southland, heed me pleading now, Who bearest, unashamed, upon my brow The long kiss of the loving tropic sun, And yet, whose veins with thy red current run. Borne on the bitter winds from every hand, Strange tales are flying over all the land, And Condemnation, with his pin¬ ions foul, Glooms in the place where broods the midnight owl. What art thou, that the world should point at thee, And vaunt and chide the weakness that they see ? There was a time they were not wont to chide; Where is thy old, uncompromis¬ ing pride? Blood-washed, thou shouldst lift up thine honored head, White with the sorrow for thy loyal dead 6] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Who lie on every plain, on every hill, And whose high spirit walks the Southland still: iWhose infancy our mother's hands have nursed. Thy manhood, gone to battle un¬ accused, Our fathers left to till th' re¬ luctant field, To rape the soil for what she would not yield; Wooing for aye, the cold unam'- rous sod, Whose growth for them still meant a master's rod; Tearing her bosom for the wealth that gave The strength that made the toiler still a slave. Too long we hear the deep im¬ passioned cry That echoes vainly to the heedless sky; Too long, too long, the Mace¬ donian call Falls fainting far beyond the out¬ ward wall, Within whose sweep, beneath the shadowing trees, A slumbering nation takes its dangerous ease; Too long the rumors of thy hatred. go [21 For those who loved thee and thy children so. Thou must arise forthwith, and strong, thou must Throw off the smirching of this baser dust, Lay by the practice of this later creed, And be thine honest self again indeed. There was a time when even slav¬ ery's chain Held in some joys to alternate with pain, Some little light to give the night relief, Some little smiles to take the place of grief. There was a time when, jocund as the day, The toiler hoed his row and sung his lay, Found something gleeful in the very air, And solace for his toiling every¬ where. Now all is changed, within the rude stockade, A bondsman whom the greed of men has made Almost too brutish to deplore his plight, Toils hopeless on from joyless morn till night. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF For him no more the cabin's quiet Is it for this we all have felt the rest, flame,— The homely joys that gave to labor This newer bondage and this zest; deeper shame? No more for him the merry banjo's Nay, not for this, a nation's heroes sound, bled, Nor trip of lightsome dances foot- And North and South with tears ing round. beheld their dead. For him no more the lamp shall Oh, Mother South, hast thou for- glow at eve, got thy ways, Nor chubby children pluck him by Forgot the glory of thine ancient the sleeve; days, No more for him the master's eyes Forgot the honor that once made be bright,— thee great, He has nor freedom's nor a slave's And stooped to this unhallowed delight. estate ? What, was it all for naught, those It cannot last, thou wilt come awful years forth in might, That drenched a groaning land A warrior queen full armored for with blood and tears? the fight; Was it to leave this sly convenient And thou wilt take, e'en with thy hell, spear in rest, That brother fighting his own Thy dusky children to thy saving brother fell? breast. When that great struggle held the Till then, no more, no more the world in awe, gladsome song, And all the nations blanched at Strike only deeper chords, the what they saw, notes of wrong; Did Sanctioned Slavery bow its Till then, the sigh, the tear, the conquered head oath, the moan, That this unsanctioned crime Till thou, oh, South, and thine, might rise instead? , come to thine own. [218] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE HAUNTED OAK And what is the spur that keeps the pace, What is the galling goad? Pray why are you so bare, so bare, Oh, bough of the old oak-tree; And why, when I go through the And now they beat at the prison shade you throw, Runs a shudder over me? My leaves were green as the best, I trow, And sap ran free in my veins, But I saw in the moonlight dim and weird A guiltless victim's pains. I bent me down to hear his sigh; I shook with his gurgling moan, And I trembled sore when they rode away, And left him here alone. They'd charged him with the old, old crime, And set him fast in jail: Oh door, " Ho, keeper, do not stay! We are friends of him whom you hold within, And we fain would take him away " From those who ride fast on our heels With mind to do him wrong; They have no care for his inno¬ cence, And the rope they bear is long." They have fooled the jailer with lying words, They have fooled the man with lies; , why does the dog howl all The ^ unbar_ {he locts night long, And why does the night wind wail? are drawn, And the great door open flies. He prayed his prayer and he swore Now the>' ,have talen h'm from his oath, And he raised his hand to the sky; But the beat of hoofs smote on his ear, And the steady tread drew nigh. Who is it rides by night, by night, Over the moonlit road? the jail, And hard and fast they ride, And the leader laughs low down in his throat, As they halt my trunk beside. Oh, the judge, he wore a mask of black, And the doctor one of white, [219] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF And the minister, with his oldest son, Was curiously bedight. Oh, foolish man, why weep you now? 'T is but a little space, And the time will come when these shall dread The mem'ry of your face. I feel the rope against my bark, And the weight of him in my grain, I feel in the throe of his final woe The touch of my own last pain. And never more shall leaves come forth On a bough that bears the ban; I am burned with dread, I am dried and dead, From the curse of a guiltless man. And ever the judge rides by, rides by, And goes to hunt the deer, And ever another rides his soul In the guise of a mortal fear. And ever the man he rides me hard, And never a night stays he; For I feel his curse as a haunted bough, On the trunk of a haunted tree. I® WELTSCHMERTZ You ask why I am sad to-day, I have no cares, no griefs, you say ? Ah, yes, 't is true, I have no grief — But — is there not the falling leaf? The bare tree there is mourning left With all of autumn's gray bereft; It is not what has happened me, Think of the bare, dismantled tree. The birds go South along the sky, I hear their lingering, long good¬ bye. Who goes reluctant from my breast ? And yet — the lone and wind¬ swept nest. The mourning, pale-flowered hearse goes by, Why does a tear come to my eye? Is it the March rain blowing wild ? I have no dead, I know no child. I am no widow by the bier Of him I held supremely dear. I have not seen the choicest one Sink down as sinks the westering sun. Faith unto faith have I beheld, For me, few solemn notes have swelled; PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Love bekoned me out to the dawn, And happily I followed on. And yet my heart goes out to them Whose sorrow is their diadem; The falling leaf, the crying bird, The voice to be, all lost, un¬ heard — Not mine, not mine, and yet too much The thrilling power of human touch, While all the world looks on and scorns I wear another's crown of thorns. Count me a priest who under¬ stands The glorious pain of nail-pierced hands; Count me a comrade of the thief Hot driven into late belief. Oh, mother's tear, oh, father's sigh, Oh, mourning sweetheart's last good-bye, I yet have known no mourning save Beside some brother's brother's grave. ROBERT GOULD SHAW Why was it that the thunder voice of Fate Should call thee, studious, from the classic groves, [a Where calm-eyed Pallas with still footstep roves, And charge thee seek the turmoil of the state? What bade thee hear the voice and rise elate, Leave home and kindred and thy spicy loaves, To lead th' unlettered and de¬ spised droves To manhood's home and thunder at the gate? Far better the slow blaze of Learn¬ ing's light, The cool and quiet of her dearer fane, Than this hot terror of a hopeless fight, This cold endurance of the final pain,— Since thou and those who with thee died for right Have died, the Present teaches, but in vain! ROSES Oh, wind of the spring-time, oh, free wind of May, When blossoms and bird-song are rife; Oh, joy for the season, and joy for the day, That gave me the roses of life, of life, That gave me the roses of life. i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Oh, wind of the summer, sing loud in the night, When flutters my heart like a dove; One came from thy kingdom, thy realm of delight, And gave me the roses of love, of love, And gave me the roses of love. Oh, wind of the winter, sigh low in thy grief, I hear thy compassionate breath; I wither, I fall, like the autumn- kissed leaf, He gave me the roses of death, of death, He gave me the roses of death. A LOVE SONG Ah, love, my love is like a cry in the night, A long, loud cry to the empty sky, The cry of a man alone in the desert, With hands uplifted, with parch¬ ing lips, Oh, rescue me, rescue me, Thy form to mine arms, The dew of thy lips to my mouth, Dost thou hear me ?— my call thro' the night? Darling, I hear thee and answer, Tny fountain am I, [= All of the love of my soul will I bring to thee, All of the pains of my being shall wring to thee, Deep and forever the song of my loving shall sing to thee, Ever and ever thro' day and thro' night shall I cling to thee. Hearest thou the answer? Darling, I come, I come. ITCHING HEELS Fu' de peace o' my eachin' heels, set down; Don' fiddle dat chune no mo'. Don' you see how dat melody stuhs me up An' baigs me to tek to de flo'? You knows I's a Christian, good an' strong; I wusship f'om June to June; My pra'ahs dey ah loud an' my hymns ah long: I baig you don' fiddle dat chune. I's a crick in my back an' a mis¬ ery hyeah Whaih de j'ints's gittin' ol' an' stiff, But hit seems lak you brings me de bref o' my youf; W'y, I's suttain I noticed a w'iff. Don fiddle dat chune no mo', my chile, Don' fiddle dat chune no mo'; 2] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR I '11 git up an' taih up dis groun' fu'- a mile, An' den I '11 be chu'ched fu' it, sho'. Oh, fiddle dat chune some mo', I say, An' fiddle it loud an' fas': I's a youngstah ergin in de mi'st o' my sin; De p'esent's gone back to de pas'. I '11 dance to dat chune, so des fid¬ dle erway; I knows how de backslidah feels; So fiddle it on 'twell de break o' de day Fu' de sake o' my eachin' heels. TO AN INGRATE This is to-day, a golden summer's day And yet — and yet My vengeful soul will not for¬ get The past, forever now forgot, you say. From that half height where I had sadly climbed, I stretched my hand, I lone in all that land, Down there, where, helpless, you were limed. [» Our fingers clasped, and dragging me a pace, You struggled up. It is a bitter Cup, That now for naught, you turn away your face. I shall remember this for aye and aye. Whate'er may come, Although my lips are dumt), My spirit holds you to that yester¬ day. IN THE TENTS OF AKBAR In the tents of Akbar Are dole and grief to-day, For the flower of all the Indies Has gone the silent way. In the tents of Akbar Are emptiness and gloom, And where the dancers gather, The silence of the tomb. Across the yellow desert, Across the burning sands, Old Akbar wanders madly, And wrings his fevered hands. And ever makes his moaning To the unanswering sky, For Sutna, lovely Sutna, Who was so fair to die. For Sutna danced at morning, And Sutna danced at eve; THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Her dusky eyes half hidden Behind her silken sleeve. Her pearly teeth out-glancing Between her coral lips, The tremulous rhythm of passion Marked by her quivering hips. As lovely as a jewel Of fire and dewdrop blent, So danced the maiden Sutna In gallant Akbar's tent. And one who saw her dancing, Saw her bosom's fall and rise Put all his body's yearning Into his lovelit eyes. Then Akbar came and drove him — A jackal — from his door, And bade him wander far and look On Sutna's face no more. Some day the sea disgorges, The wilderness gives back, Those half-dead who have wan¬ dered, Aimless, across its track. And he returned — the lover, Haggard of brow and spent; He found fair Sutna standing Before her master's tent. " Not mine, nor Akbar's, Sutna! " He cried and closely pressed, And drove his craven dagger Straight to the maiden's breast. [> Oh, weep, oh, weep, for Sutna, So young, so dear, so fair, Her face is gray and silent Beneath her dusky hair. And wail, oh, wail, for Akbar, Who walks the desert sands, Crying aloud for Sutna, Wringing his fevered hands. In the tents of Akbar The tears of sorrow run, But the corpse of Sutna's slayer, Lies rotting in the sun. THE FOUNT OF TEARS All hot and grimy from the road, Dust gray from arduous years, I sat me down and eased my load Beside the Fount of Tears. The waters sparkled to my eye, Calm, crystal-like, and cool, And breathing there a restful sigh, I bent me to the pool. When, lo! a voice cried: " Pilgrim, rise, Harsh tho' the sentence be, And on to other lands and skies — This fount is not for thee. " Pass on, but calm thy needless fears, Some may not love or sin, An angel guards the Fount of Tears; All may not bathe therein." PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Then with my burden on my back I turned to gaze awhile, First at the uninviting track, Then at the water's smile. And so I go upon my way, Thro'out the sultry years, But pause no more, by night, by day, Beside the Fount of Tears. LIFE'S TRAGEDY It may be misery not to sing at all And to go silent through the brimming day. It may be sorrow never to be loved, But deeper griefs than these beset the way. To have come near to sing the perfect song And only by a half-tone lost the key, There is the potent sorrow, there the grief, The pale, sad staring of life's tragedy. To have just missed the perfect love, Not the hot passion of untem¬ pered youth, But that which lays aside its vanity And gives thee, for thy trusting worship, truth — This, this it is to be accursed in¬ deed; For if we mortals love, or if we sing, We count our joys not by the things we have, But by what kept us from the perfect thing. DE WAY T'INGS COME De way t'ings come, hit seems to me, Is des' one monst'ous mystery; De way hit seem to strike a man, Dey ain't no sense, dey ain't no plan; Ef trouble sta'ts a pilin' down, It ain't no use to rage er frown, It ain't no use to strive er pray, Hit's mortal boun' to come dat way. Now, ef you's hongry, an' yo' plate Des' keep on sayin' to you, " Wait," Don't mek no diffunce how you feel, 'T won't do no good to hunt a meal, Fu' dat ah meal des' boun' to hide Ontwell de devil's satisfied, An' 'twell dey's some'p'n by to cyave You's got to ease yo'se'f an' sta've. But ef dey's co'n meal on de she'f You need n't bothah 'roun' yo'se'f, [225] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Somebody's boun' to amble in An' 'vite you to dey co'n meal bin; An' ef you's stuffed up to be froat Wid co'n er middlin', fowl er shoat, Des' look out an' you '11 see fu' sho A 'possum faint befo' yo' do'. De way t'ings happen, huhuh, chile, Dis worl' 's done puzzled me one w'ile; I's mighty skeered I '11 fall in doubt, I des' won't try to reason out De reason why folks strive an' plan A dinnah fu' a full-fed man, An' shet de do' an' cross de street F'om one dat raaly needs to eat. NOON Shadder in de valley Sunlight on de hill, Sut'ny wish dat locus' Knowed how to be still. Don't de heat already Mek a body hum, 'Dout dat insec' sayin' Hottah days to come? Fiel' 's a shinin' yaller Wid de bendin' grain, Guinea hen a callin', Nqw's de time fu' rain; Shet yo* mouf, you rascal, Wha' 's de use to cry ? You do' see no rain clouds Up dah in de sky. Dis hyeah sweat's been po'in' Down my face sence dawn; Ain't hit time we's hyeahin' Dat ah dinnah ho'n? Go on, Ben an' Jaspah, Lif' yo' feet an' fly, Hit out fu' de shadder Fo' I drap an' die. Hongry, lawd a' mussy, Hongry as a baih, Seems lak I hyeah dinnah Callin' evahwhaih; Daih's de ho'n a blowin'! Let dat cradle swing, One mo' sweep, den da'kies, Beat me to de spring! AT THE TAVERN A lilt and a swing, And a ditty to sing, Or ever the night grow old; The wine is within, And I'm sure't were a sin For a soldier to choose to be cold, my dear, For a soldier to choose to be cold. We 're right for a spell, But the fever is — well, No thing to be braved, at least; [226] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR So bring me the wine; No low fever in mine, For a drink is more kind than a priest, my dear, For a drink is more kind than a priest. DEATH Storm and strife and stress, Lost in a wilderness, Groping to find a way, Forth to the haunts of day Sudden a vista peeps, Out of the tangled deeps, Only a point — the ray But at the end is day. Dark is the dawn and chill, Daylight is on the hill, Night is the flitting breath, Day rides the hills of death. NIGHT, DIM NIGHT Night, dim night, and it rains, my love, it rains, (Art thou dreaming of me, I wonder) The trees are sad, and the wind complains, Outside the rolling of the thun¬ der, And the beat against the panes. Heart, my heart, thou art mourn¬ ful in the rain, (Are thy redolent lips a- quiver?) My soul seeks thine, doth it seek in vain? My love goes surging like a river, Shall its tide bear naught save pain? [227] LYRICS OF LOVE AND SORROW Love is the light of the world, my dear, Heigho, but the world is gloomy; The light has failed and the lamp down hurled, Leaves only darkness to me. Love is the light of the world, my dear, Ah me, but the world is dreary; The night is down, and my curtain furled But I cannot sleep, though weary. Love is the light of the world, my dear, Alas for a hopeless hoping, When the flame went out in the breeze that swirled, And a soul went blindly grop¬ ing. ii The light was on the golden sands, A glimmer on the sea; My soul spoke clearly to thy soul, Thy spirit answered me. Since then the light that gilds the sands, And glimmers on the sea, But vainly struggles to reflect The radiant soul of thee. in The sea speaks to me of you All the day long; Still as I sit by its side You are its song. The sea sings to me of you Loud on the reef; Always it moans as it sings, Voicing my grief. iv My dear love died last night; Shall I clothe her in white? My passionate love is dead, Shall I robe her in red? But nay, she was all untrue, She shall not go drest in blue; Still my desolate love was brave, Unrobed let her go to her grave. There are brilliant heights of sorrow That only the few may know; And the lesser woes of the world, like waves, Break noiselessly, far below. I hold for my own possessing, A mount that is lone and still — The great high place of a hopeless grief, [231] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR And I call it my " Heart-break Hill." And once on a winter's midnight I found its highest crown, And there in the gloom, my soul and I, Weeping, we sat us down. But now when I seek that summit We are two ghosts that go; Only two shades of a thing that died, Once in the long ago. So I sit me down in the silence, And say to my soul, " Be still," So the world may not know we died that night, From weeping on " Heart-break Hill." [232] LYRICS OF SUNSHINE AND SHADOW A BOY'S SUMMER SONG 'Tis fine to play In the fragrant hay, And romp on the golden load; To ride old Jack To the barn and back, Or tramp by a shady road. To pause and drink, At a mossy brink; Ah, that is the best of joy, And so I say On a summer's day, What's so fine as being a boy? Ha, Ha! With line and hook By a babbling brook, The fisherman's sport we ply; And list the song Of the feathered throng That flit in the branches nigh. At last we strip For a quiet dip; Ah, that is the best of joy. For this I say On a summer's day, What's so fine as being a boy? Ha, Ha! THE SAND-MAN I know a man With face of tan, But who is ever kind; [i Whom girls and boys Leaves games and toys Each eventide to find. When day grows dim, They watch for him, He comes to place his claim; He wears the crown Of Dreaming-town; The sand-man is his name. When sparkling eyes Troop sleepy wise And busy lips grow dumb; When little heads Nod toward the beds, We know the sand-man's come. JOHNNY SPEAKS The sand-man he's a jolly old fellow, His face is kind and his voice is mellow, But he makes your eyelids as heavy as lead, And then you got to go off to bed; I don't think I like the sand¬ man. But I've been playing this live¬ long day; It does make a fellow so tired to play! Oh, my, I'm a-yawning right here before ma, 35] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF I'm the sleepiest fellow that ever you saw. I think I do like the sand-man. WINTER-SONG Oh, who would be sad tho' the sky be a-graying, And meadow and woodlands are empty and bare; For softly and merrily now there come playing, The little white birds thro' the winter-kissed air. The squirrel's enjoying the rest of the thrifty, He munches his store in the old hollow tree; Tho' cold is the blast and the snow-flakes are drifty He fears the white flock not a whit more than we. Chorus: Then heigho for the flying snow! Over the whitened roads we go, With pulses that tingle, And sleigh-bells a-jingle For winter's white birds here's a cheery heigho! A CHRISTMAS FOLKSONG De win' is blowin' wahmah, An hit's blowin' f'om de bay; Dey's a so't o' mist a-risin' All erlong de meddah way; Dey ain't a hint o' frostin' On de groun' ner in de sky, An' dey ain't no use in hopin' Dat de snow'll 'mence to fly. It's goin' to be a green Christ¬ mas, An' sad de day fu' me. I wish dis was de las' one Dat evah I should see. Dey's dancin' in de cabin, Dey's spahkin' by de tree; But dancin' times an' spahkin' Are all done pas' fur me. Dey's feastin' in de big house, Wid all de windahs wide — Is dat de way fu' people To meet de Christmas-tide? It's goin' to be a green Christ¬ mas, No mattah what you say. Dey's us dat will remembah An' grieve de comin' day. Dey's des a bref o' dampness A-clingin' to my cheek; De aih's been dahk an' heavy An' threatenin' fu' a week, But not wid signs o' wintah, Dough wintah'd seem so deah — De wintah's out o' season, An' Christmas eve is heah. It's goin' to be a green Christ¬ mas, An' oh, how sad de day! Go ax de hongry chu'chya'd, An' see what hit will say. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Dey's Allen on de hillside, An' Marfy in de plain; Fu' Christmas was like springtime, An' come wid sun an' rain. Dey's Ca'line, John, an' Susie, Wid only dis one lef': An' now de curse is comin' Wid murder in hits bref. It's goin' to be a green Christ¬ mas — Des hyeah my words an' see: Befo' de summah beckons Dey's many '11 weep wid me. But our triumph call through the forest hall Is a brother's funeral song. For we are brothers ever, Panther and bird and bear; Man and the weakest that fear his face, Born to the nest or lair. Yes, brothers, and who shall judge us? Hunters and game are we; But who gave jhe right for me to smite ? Who boasts when he smiteth me? THE FOREST GREETING Good hunting! — aye, good hunt¬ ing, Wherever the forests call; But ever a heart beats hot with fear, And what of the birds that fall ? Good hunting! — aye, good hunt¬ ing, Wherever the north winds blow; But what of the stag that calls for his mate? And what of the wounded doe? Good hunting! — aye, good hunt¬ ing; And ah! we are bold and strong; o Good hunting! — aye, good hunt¬ ing, And dim is the forest track; But the sportsman Death comes striding on: Brothers, the way is black. THE LILY OF THE VALLEY Sweetest of the flowers a-bloom- ing In the fragrant vernal days Is the Lily of the Valley With its soft, retiring ways. Well, you chose this humble blos¬ som As the nurse's emblem flower, Who grows more like her ideal Every day and every hour. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Like the Lily of the Valley In her honesty and worth, Ah, she blooms in truth and virtue In the quiet nooks of earth. Tho' she stands erect in honor When the heart of mankind bleeds, Still she hides her own deserving In the beauty of her deeds. In the silence of the darkness Where no eye may see and know, There her footsteps shod with mercy, And fleet kindness come and go. Not amid the sounds of plaudits, Nor before the garish day, Does she shed her soul's sweet per¬ fume, Does she take her gentle way. But alike her ideal flower, With its honey-laden breath, Still her heart blooms forth its beauty In the valley shades of death. ENCOURAGED Because you love me I have much achieved, Had you despised me then I must have failed, But since I knew you trusted and believed, I could not disappoint you and so prevailed. TO J. Q. What are the things that make life bright? A star gleam in the night. What hearts us for the coming fray? The dawn tints of the day. What helps to speed the weary mile? A brother's friendly smile. What turns o' gold the evening gray? A flower beside the way. DIPLOMACY Tell your love where the roses blow, And the hearts of the lilies quiver, Not in the city's gleam and glow, But down by a half-sunned river. Not in the crowded ball-room's glare, That would be fatal, Marie, Marie, How can she answer you then and there ? So come then and stroll with me, my dear, Down where the birds call, Marie, Marie. [238] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR SCAMP Ain't it nice to have a mammy Wen you kin' o' tiahed out Wid a-playin' in de meddah, An' a-runnin' roun' about Till hit's made you mighty hongry, An' yo' nose hit gits to know What de smell means dat's a - comin' F'om de open cabin do'? She wash yo' face, An' mek yo' place, You's hongry as a tramp; Den hit's eat you suppah right away, You sta'vin' little scamp. W'en you's full o' braid an' bacon, An' dey ain't no mo' to eat, An' de lasses dat's a-stickin' On yo' face ta'se kin' o' sweet, Don' you t'ink hit's kin' o' pleasin* Fu' to have som'body neah Dat'll wipe yo' han's an' kiss you Fo' dey lif' you f'om you' cheah? To smile so sweet, An' wash yo' feet, An' leave 'em co'l an' damp; Den hit's come let me undress you, now You lazy little scamp. Don' yo' eyes git awful heavy, An' yo' lip git awful slack, Ain't dey som'p'n' kin' o' weak- nin' In de backbone of yo' back? [2 Don' yo' knees feel kin' o' trimbly, An' yo' head go bobbin' roun\ W'en you says yo' " Now I lay me," An' is sno'in on de " down " ? She kiss yo' nose, She kiss yo' toes, An' den tu'n out de lamp, Den hit's creep into yo' trunnel baid, You sleepy little scamp. WADIN' IN DE CRICK Days git wa'm an' wa'mah, School gits mighty dull, Seems lak dese hyeah teachahs Mus' feel mussiful. Hookey's wrong, I know it Ain't no gent'man's trick; But de aih's a-callin', " Come on to de crick." Dah de watah's gu'glin' Ovah shiny stones, Des hit's ve'y singin' Seems to soothe yo' bones. W'at's de use o' waitin' Go on good an' quick: Dain't no fun lak dis hyeah Wadin' in de crick. W'at dat jay-b'ud sayin'? Bettah shet yo' haid, Fus' t'ing dat you fin' out, You'll be layin' daid. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Jay-bu'ds sich a tattlah, Des seem lak his trick Fu' to tell on folkses Wadin' in de crick. Wilier boughs a-bendin' Hidin' of de sky, Wavin' kin' o' frien'ly Ez de win' go by, Elum trees a-shinin', Dahk an' green an' thick, Seem to say, " 1 see yo' Wadin' in de crick." But de trees don' chattah, Dey des look an' sigh Lak hit's kin' o' peaceful Des a-bein' nigh, An' yo' t'ank yo' Mastah Dat dey trunks is thick W'en yo' mammy fin's you Wadin' in de crick. Den yo' run behin'. dem Lak yo' scaihed to def, Mammy come a-flyin', Mos' nigh out o' bref; But she set down gentle An' she drap huh stick,— An' fus' t'ing, dey's mammy Wadin' in de crick. THE QUILTING Dolly sits a-quilting by her mother, stich by stitch, Gracious, how my pulses throb, how my fingers itch, While I note her dainty waist and her slender hand, As she matches this and that, she stitches strand by strand. And I long to tell her Life's a quilt and I'm a patch; Love will do the stitching if she'll only be my match. PARTED She wrapped her soul in a lace of lies, With a prime deceit to pin it; And I thought I was gaining a fearsome prize, So I staked my soul to win it. We wed and parted on her com¬ plaint, And both were a bit of barter, Tho' I'll confess that I'm no saint, I'll swear that she's no martyr. FOREVER I HAD not known before Forever was so long a word. The slow stroke of the clock of time I had not heard. 'Tis hard to learn so late; It seems no sad heart really learns, But hopes and trusts and doubts and fears, And bleeds and burns. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR The night is not all dark, Nor is the day all it seems, But each may bring me this re¬ lief— My dreams and dreams. I had not known before That Never was so sad a word, So wrap me in forgetfulness — I have not heard. THE PLANTATION CHILD'S LULLABY Wintah time hit comin' Stealin' thoo de night; Wake up in the mo'nin' Evah t'ing is white; Cabin lookin' lonesome Stannin' in de snow, Meks you kin' o' nervous, W'en de win' hit blow. Trompin' back from feedin', Col' an' wet an' blue, Homespun jacket ragged, Win' a-blowin' thoo. Cabin lookin' cheerful, Unnerneaf de do', Yet you kin' o' keerful W'en de win' hit blow. Hickory log a-blazin' Light a-lookin' red, Faith o' eyes o' peepin' 'Rom a trun'le bed, Little feet a-patterin' Cleak across de flo'; Bettah had be keerful W'en de win' hit blow. Suppah done an' ovah, Evah t'ing is still; Listen to de snowman Slippin' down de hill. Ashes on de fiah, Keep it wa'm but low. What's de use o' keerin' Ef de win' do blow? Smoke house full o' bacon, Brown an' sweet an' good; Taters in de cellah, 'Possum roam de wood; Little baby snoozin' Des ez ef he know. What's de use o' keerin' Ef de win' do blow? TWILIGHT 'Twixt a smile and a tear, 'Twixt a song and a sigh, 'Twixt the day and the dark, When the night draweth nigh. Ah, sunshine may fade ■ From the heavens above, No twilight have we To the day of our love. CURIOSITY Mammy's in de kitchen, an' de do' is shet; All de pickaninnies climb an' tug an' sweat, [241] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Gittin* to de winder, stickin' dah lak flies, Evah one ermong us des all nose an' eyes. " Whut's she cookin', Isaac ?" " Whut's she cookin', Jake? " " Is it sweet pertaters ? Is hit pie er cake ? " But we couldn't mek out even whah we stood Whut was mammy cookin' dat could smell so good. Mammy spread de winder, an' she frown an' frown, How de pickaninnies come a-tum- blin' down! Den she say: " Ef you-all keeps a-peepin' in, How I'se gwine to whup you, my! 't 'ill be a sin! Need n' come a-sniffin' an' a-nosin' hyeah, 'Ca'se I knows my business, nevah feah." Won't somebody tell us — how I wish dey would! — Whut is mammy cookin' dat it smells so good? We know she means business, an' we dassent stay, Dough it's mighty tryin' fuh to go erway; But we goes a-troopin' down de oF wood-track 'Twell dat steamin' kitchen brings us stealin' back, Climbin' an' a-peepin' so's to see inside. Whut on earf kin mammy be so sha'p to hide? I'd des up an' tell folks w'en I knowed I could, Ef I was a-cookin' t'ings dat smelt so good. Mammy in de oven, an' I see huh .smile; Moufs mus' be a-wat'rin' roun' hyeah fuh a mile; Den we almos' hollah ez we hu'ies down, 'Ca'se hit's apple dumplin's, big an' fat an' brown! W'en de do' is opened, solemn lak an' slow, Wisht you see us settin' all dah in a row Innercent an' p'opah, des lak chill- un should W'en dey mammy's cookin' t'ings dat smell so good. OPPORTUNITY Granny's gone a-visitin', Seen huh git huh shawl W'en I was a-hidin' down Hime de gyahden wall. Seen huh put her bonnet on, Seen huh tie de strings, An' I'se gone to dreamin' now 'Bout dem cakes an' t'ings. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR On de she'f behime de do'— Mussy, what a feas'! Soon ez she gits out o' sight, I kin eat in peace. I bin watchin' fu' a week Des fu' dis hyeah chance. Mussy, w'en I gits in daih, I'll des sholy dance. Lemon pie an' gingah-cake, Let me set an' t'ink — Vinegah an' sugah, too, Dat'll mek a drink; Ef dey's one t'ing dat I loves Mos' pu'ticlahly, It is eatin' sweet t'ings an' A-drinkin' Sangaree. Lawdy, won' po' granny raih W'en she see de she'f; W'en I t'ink erbout huh face, I's mos' 'shamed myse'f. Well, she gone, an 'hyeah I is, Back behime de do'— Look hyeah! gran' 's done 'spected me, Dain't no sweets no mo'. Evah sweet is hid erway, Job des done up brown; Pusson t'ink dat someun t'ought Dey was t'eves erroun'; Dat des breaks my heart in two, Oh how bad I feel! Des to t'ink my own gramma B'lieved dat I 'u'd steal! PUTTIN' THE BABY AWAY Eight of 'em hyeah all tol' an' yet Dese eyes o' mine is wringin' wet; My haht's a-achin' ha'd an' so', De way hit nevah ached befo'; My soul's a-pleadin', " Lawd, give back Dis little lonesome baby black, Dis one, dis las' po' he'pless one Whose little race was too soon run." Po' Little Jim, des fo' yeahs ol' A-layin' down so still an' col'. Somehow hit don' seem ha'dly faih, To have my baby lyin' daih Wi'dout a smile upon his face, Wi'dout a look erbout de place; He ust to be so full o' fun Hit don' seem right dat all's done, done. Des eight in all but I don' caih, Dey wa'nt a single one to spaih; De worl' was big, so was my haht, An' dis hyeah baby owned hit's paht; De house was po', dey clothes was rough, But daih was meat an' meal enough; An' daih was room fu' little Jim; Oh! Lawd, what made you call fu' him? [243] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF It do seem monst'ous ha'd to-day, To lay dis baby boy away; I'd learned to love his teasin' smile, He mought o' des been lef' er- while; You wouldn't t'ought wid all de folks, Dat's roun' hyeah mixin' teahs an' jokes, De Lawd u'd had de time to see Dis chile an' tek him 'way f'om me. But let it go, I reckon Jim, 'LI des go right straight up to Him Dat took him f'om his mammy's nest An' lef' dis achin' in my breas', An' lookin' in dat fathah's face An' 'memberin' dis lone sorrerin' place, He'll say, " Good Lawd, you ought to had Do sumpin' fu' to comfo't dad! " THE FISHER CHILD'S LUL¬ LABY The wind is out in its rage to¬ night, And your father is far at sea. The rime on the window is hard and white But dear, you are near to me. Heave ho, weave low, Waves of the briny deep; Seethe low and breathe low, But sleep you, my little one, sleep, sleep. The little boat rocks in the cove no more, But the flying sea-gulls wail; I peer through the darkness that wraps the shore, For sight of a home set sail. Heave ho, weave low, Waves of the briny deep; Seethe low and breathe low, But sleep you, my little one, sleep, sleep. Ay, kJ of mine, thy father may die In the gale that rides the sea, But we'll not believe it, not you and I, Who mind us of Galilee. Heave ho, weave low, Waves of the briny deep; Seethe low and breathe low, But sleep you, my little one, sleep, sleep. FAITH I's a-gittin' weary of de way dat people do, De folks dat's got dey 'ligion in dey fiah-place an' flue; Dey's alius somep'n comin' so de spit'll have to turn, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR An' hit tain't no p'oposition fu' to mek de hickory bu'n. Ef de sweet pertater fails us an' de go'geous yallah yam, We kin tek a bit o' comfo't f'om ouah sto' o' summah jam. Wen de snow hit git to flyin', dat's de Mastah's own desiah, De Lawd'll run de wintah an' yo' mammy'll run de fiah. I ain' skeered because de win' hit staht to raih and blow, I ain't bothahed w'en he come er rattlin' at de do', Let him taih hisse'f an' shout, let him blow an' bawl, Dat's de time de branches shek an' bresh-wood 'mence to fall. W'en de sto'm er railin' an' de shettahs blowin' 'bout, Dat de time de fiah-place crack hits welcome out. Tain' my livin' business fu' to trouble ner enquiah, De Lawd'll min' de wintah an' my mammy'll min' de fiah. Ash-cake alius gits ez brown w'en February's hyeah Ez it does in bakin' any othah time o' yeah. De bacon smell ez callin'-like, de kittle rock an' sing, De same way in de wintah dat dey do it in de spring; Dey ain't no use in mopin' 'round an' lookin' mad an' glum Erbout de wintah season, fu' hit's des plumb boun' to come; An' ef it comes to runnin' t'ings I's willin' to retiah, De Lawd'll min' de wintah an' my mammy'll min' de fiah. THE FARM CHILD'S LULLABY Oh, the little bird is rocking in the cradle of the wind, And it's bye, my little wee one, bye; The harvest all is gathered and the pippins all are binned; Bye, my little wee one, bye; The little rabbit's hiding in the golden shock of corn, The thrifty squirrel's laughing bunny's idleness to scorn; You are smiling with the angels in your slumber, smile till morn; So it's bye, my little wee one, bye. There'll be plenty in the cellar, there'll be plenty on the shelf; Bye, my little wee one, bye; There'll be goodly store of sweet¬ ings for a dainty little elf; Bye, my little wee one, bye. [245] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF The snow may be a-flying o'er the meadow and the hill, The ice has checked the chatter of the little laughing rill, But in your cosey cradle you are warm and happy still; So bye, my little wee one, bye. [Why, the Bob White thinks the snowflake is a brother to his song; Bye, my little wee one, bye; And the chimney sings the sweeter when the wind is blowing strong; Bye, my little wee one, bye; The granary's overflowing, full is cellar, crib, and bin, The wood has paid its tribute and the ax has ceased its din; The winter may not harm you when you're sheltered safe within; So bye, my little wee one, bye. Oh, many have sought it, And all would have bought it, With the blood we so recklessly spend; But none has uncovered, The gold, nor discovered The spot at the rainbow's end. They have sought it in battle, And e'en where the rattle Of dice with man's blasphemy blends; But howe'er persuasive, It still proves evasive, This place where the rainbow ends. I own for my pleasure, I yearn not for treasure, Though gold has a power it lends; And I have a notion, To find without motion, The place where the rainbow ends. THE PLACE WHERE THE RAINBOW ENDS There's a fabulous story Full of splendor and glory, That Arabian legends trans¬ cends ; Of the wealth without measure, The coffers of treasure, At the place where the rainbow ends. The pot may hold pottage, The place be a cottage, That a humble contentment de¬ fends, Only joy fills its coffer, But spite of the scoffer, There's the place where the rain, bow ends. Where care shall be quiet, And love shall run riot, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR And I shall find wealth in my friends; Then truce to the story, Of riches and glory; There's the place where the rain¬ bow ends. HOPE De dog go howlin' 'long de road, De night come shiverin' down; My back is tiahed of its load, I cain't be fu' f'om town. No mattah ef de way is long, My haht is swellin' wid a song, No mattah 'bout de frownin' skies, I'll soon be home to see my Lize. My shadder staggah on de way, It's monstous col' to-night; But I kin hyeah my honey say " W'y bless me if de sight O' you ain't good fu' my so' eyes." (Dat talk's dis lak my lady Lize) I's so'y case de way was long But Lawd you bring me love an' song. No mattah ef de way is long, An' ef I trimbles so' I knows de fiah's burnin' strong, Behime my Lizy's do'. An' daih my res' an' joy shell be, Whaih my ol' wife's awaitin' me — Why what I keer fu' stingin' bias', I see huh windah light at las'. APPRECIATION My muvver's ist the nicest one 'At ever lived wiz folks; She lets you have ze mostes' fun, An' laffs at all your jokes. I got a ol' maid auntie, too, The worst you ever saw; Her eyes ist bore you through and through,— She ain't a bit like ma. She's ist as slim as slim can be, An' when you want to slide Down on ze balusters, w'y she Says 'at she's harrified. She ain't as nice as Uncle Ben, What says 'at little boys Won't never grow to be big men Unless they're fond of noise. But muvver's nicer zan 'em all, She calls you, " precious lamb," An' let's you roll your ten-pin ball, An' spreads your bread wiz jam. An' when you're bad, she ist looks sad, You fink she's goin' to cry; An' when she don't you're awful glad, An' den you're good, Oh, my! THE COMPLETE POEMS OF At night, she takes ze softest For my dream came true and the hand, An' lays it on your head, An' says " Be off to Sleepy-Land By way o' trundle-bed." So when you fink what muwer knows An' aunts an' uncle tan't, It skeers a feller; ist suppose His muwer'd been a aunt. A SONG maid I wed, And now no more I sigh, I sigh, And now no more I sigh. DAY The gray dawn on the mountain top Is slow to pass away. Still lays him by in sluggish dreams, The golden God of day. On a summer's day as I sat by a And then a 1Ight along the hills> stream, A dainty maid came by, And she blessed my sight like a rosy dream, And left me there to sigh, to sigh, And left me there to sigh, to s^* Step me now a bridal measure, ~ , , T .1.1. 'Work give way to love and leisure, On another day as I sat by the T , Hearts be free and hearts be gay —> Your laughter silvery gay; The Sun God wakes, a bluebird trills, You come and it is day. TO DAN Doctor Dan doth wed to-day. stream, This maiden paused a while, Then I made me bold as I told Diagnosis, cease your squalling — my dream, She heard it with a smile, a smile, Check that scalpel's senseless bawl¬ ing, Put that ugly knife away — She heard it with a smile, a Doctor Dan doth wed to-day. smile. 'Tis no time for things unsightly, Oh, the months have fled and the Life's the day and life goes lightly; autumn's red, The maid no more goes by; Science lays aside her sway — Love rules Dr. Dan to-day. [248] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Gather, gentlemen and ladies, For the nuptial feast now made is, Swing your garlands, chant your lay For the pair who wed to-day. Wish them happy days and many, Troubles few and griefs not any, Lift your brimming cups and say God bless them who wed to-day. Then a cup to Cupid daring, Who for conquest ever faring, With his arrows dares assail E'en a doctor's coat of mail. So with blithe and happy hymning And with harmless goblets brim¬ ming, Dance a step — musicians play — Doctor Dan doth wed to-day. WHAT'S THE USE What's the use o' folks a-frownin' When the way's a little rough? Frowns lay out the road fur smil- in' You'll be wrinkled soon enough. What's the use? What's the use o' folks a-sighin' ? It's an awful waste o' breath, An' a body can't stand wastin' What he needs so bad in death. What's the use? What's the use o' even weepin'? Might as well go long an' smile. Life, our longest, strongest arrow, Only lasts a little while. What's the use? A LAZY DAY The trees bend down along the stream, Where anchored swings my tiny boat. The day is one to drowse and dream And list the thrush's throttling note. When music from his bosom bleeds Among the river's rustling reeds. No ripple stirs the placid pool, When my adventurous line is cast, A truce to sport, while clear and cool, The mirrored clouds slide softly past. The sky gives back a blue divine, And all the world's wide wealth is mine. A pickerel leaps, a bow of light, The minnows shine from side to side. The first faint breeze comes up the tide — I pause with half uplifted oar, While night drifts down to claim the shore. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF ADVICE W'en you full o' worry 'Bout yo' wo'k an' sich, W'en you kind o' bothered Case you can't get rich, An' yo' neighboh p'ospah Past his jest desu'ts, An' de sneer of comerds Stuhes yo' heaht an' hu'ts, Des don' pet yo' worries, Lay 'em on de she'f, Tek a little trouble Brothah, wid yo'se'f. Ef a frien' comes mou'nin' 'Bout his awful case, You know you don' grieve him Wid a gloomy face, But you wrassle wid him, Try to tek him in; Dough hit cracks yo' features, Law, you smile lak sin, Ain't you good ez he is? Don' you pine to def; Tek a little trouble Brothah, wid yo'se'f. Ef de chillun pestahs, An' de baby's bad, Ef yo' wife gits narvous, An' you're gettin' mad, Des you grab yo' boot-strops, Hoi' yo' body down, Stop a-tinkin' cuss-w'rds, Chase away de frown, Knock de haid o' worry, Twell dey ain' none lef'; Tek a little trouble, Brothah, wid yo'se'f. LIMITATIONS Ef you's only got de powah fe' to blow a little whistle, Keep ermong de people wid de whistles. Ef you don't, you'll fin' out sho'tly dat you's th'owed yo' fines' feelin' In a place dat's all a bed o' this¬ tles. 'Tain't no use a-goin' now, ez sho's you bo'n, A-squeakin' of yo' whistle 'g'inst a gread big ho'n. Ef you ain't got but a teenchy bit o' victuals on de table, Whut' de use a-claimin' hit's a feas'? Fe' de folks is mighty 'spicious, an' dey's ap' to come a- peerin', Lookin' fe' de scraps you lef' at leas'. W'en de meal's a-hidin' f'om de meal-bin's top, You needn't talk to hide it; ef you sta'ts, des stop. Ef yo' min' kin only carry half a pint o' common idees, Don' go roun' a-sayin' hit's a bar'l; PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR 'Ca' se de people gwine to test you, an' dey'll fin' out you's a-lyin', Den dey'll twis' yo' sayin's in a snarl. Wuss t'ing in de country dat I evah hyahed— A crow dot sat a-squawkin', " I's a mockin'-bird." A GOLDEN DAY I found you and I lost you, All on a gleaming day. The day was filled with sunshine, And the land was full of May. A golden bird was singing Its melody divine, I found you and I loved you, And all the world was mine. I found you and I lost you, All on a golden day, But when I dream of you, dear, It is always brimming May. THE UNLUCKY APPLE 'Twas the apple that in Eden Caused our father's primal fall; And the Trojan War, remem¬ ber — 'Twas an apple caused it all. So for weeks I've hesitated, You can guess the reason why, For I want to tell my darling She's the apple of my eye. THE DISCOVERY These are the days of elfs and fays: Who says that with the dreams of myth, These imps and elves disport them¬ selves ? Ah no, along the paths of song Do all the tiny folk belong. Round all our homes, Kobolds and gnomes do daily cling, Then nightly fling their lanterns out. And shout on shout, they join the rout, And sing, and sing, within the sweet enchanted ring. Where gleamed the guile of moon¬ light's smile, Once paused I, listening for a while, And heard the lay, unknown by day,— The fairies' dancing roundelay. Queen Mab was there, her shim¬ mering hair Each fairy prince's heart's despair. She smiled to see their sparkling glee, And once I ween, she smiled at me. Since when, you may by night or day, Dispute the sway of elf-folk gay; But, hear me, stay! i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF THE AWAKENING I did not know that life could be I've learned the way to find Queen Mab and elf and fay. Where e'er by streams, the moon- s0 sweet, light gleams, I did not know the hours could Or on a meadow softly beams, speed so fleet, There, footing round on dew-lit Till I knew you, and life was sweet ground, again. The fairy folk may all be found. The days grew brief with love and lack of pain — MORNING save I was a slave a few short days ago, The mist has left the greening The powers of Kings and Princes plain, now I know; The dew-drops shine like fairy I would not be again in bondage, rain, The coquette rose awakes again Her lovely self adorning. The Wind is hiding in the trees, A sighing, soothing, laughing tease, Until the rose says " Kiss me, please," 'Tis morning, 'tis morning. I had your smile, the liberty I crave. LOVE'S DRAFT The draft of love was cool and sweet You gave me in the cup, With staff in hand and careless- But, ah, love's fire is keen and free, The wanderer fares right jauntily, For towns and houses are, thinks he, For scorning, for scorning. My soul is swift upon the wing, And in its deeps a song I bring; Come, Love, and we together sing, " 'Tis morning, 'tis morning." fleet, And I am burning up. Unless the tears I shed for you Shall quench this burning flame, It will consume me through and through, And leave but ash—a name. [252]; PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR A MUSICAL Outside the rain upon the street, The sky all grim of hue, Inside, the music-painful sweet, And yet I heard but you. All my life long twell de night has pas' Let de wo'k come ez it will, So dat I fin' you, my honey, at las', Somewhaih des ovah de hill. As is a thrilling violin, So is your voice to me, And still above the other strains, It sang in ecstasy. TWELL DE NIGHT IS PAS' All de night long twell de moon goes down, Lovin' I set at huh feet, Den fu' de long jou'ney back f'om de town, Ha'd, but de dreams mek it sweet. All de night long twell de break of de day, Dreamin' agin in my sleep, Mandy comes drivin' my sorrers away, Axin' me, " Wha' fu' you weep ? " All de day long twell de sun goes down, Smilin', I ben' to my hoe, Fu' dough de weddah git nasty an' frown, One place I know I kin go. [2 BLUE Standin' at de winder, Feelin' kind o' glum, Listenin' to de raindrops Play de kettle drum, Lookin' crost de medders Swimmin' lak a sea; Lawd 'a' mussy on us, What's de good o' me? Can't go out a-hoein', Wouldn't ef I could; Groun' too wet fu' huntin', Fishin' ain't no good. Too much noise fo' sleepin', No one hyeah to chat; Des mus' stan' an' listen To dat pit-a-pat. Hills is gittin' misty, Valley's gittin' dahk; Watch-dog's 'mence a-howlin', Rath ah have 'em ba'k Dan a-moanin' solemn Somewhaih out o' sight; Rain-crow des a-chucklin'— Dis is his delight. Mandy, bring my banjo, Bring de chillen in, 53] THE COMPLETE POEMS OE Come in f'om de kitchen, I feel sick ez sin. Call in Uncle Isaac, Call Aunt Hannah, too, Tain't no use in talkin', Chile, I's sholy blue. DREAMIN' TOWN Come away to dreamin' town, Mandy Lou, Mandy Lou, Whaih de skies don' nevah frown, Mandy Lou; Whaih he streets is paved with gol', Whaih de days is nevah col', An' no sheep strays f'om de fol', Mandy Lou. Ain't you tiahed of every day, Mandy Lou, Mandy Lou, Tek my han' an' come away, Mandy Lou, To the place whaih dreams is King, Whaih my heart hoi's everything, An' my soul can alius sing, Mandy Lou. Come away to dream wid me, Mandy Lou, Mandy Lou, Whaih our hands an' hea'ts are free, Mandy Lou; Whaih de sands is shinin' white, Whaih de rivahs glistens bright, Mandy Lou. [*. Come away to dreamland town, Mandy Lou, Mandy Lou, Whaih de fruit is bendin' down, Des fu' you. Smooth your brow of lovin' brown, An' my love will be its crown; Come away to dreamin' town, Mandy Lou. AT NIGHT Whut time'd dat clock strike? Nine ? No — eight; I didn't think hit was so late. Aer chew! I must 'a' got a cough, I raally b'lieve I did doze off — Hit's mighty soothin' to de tiah, A-dozin' dis way by de fiah; 00 oom — hit feels so good to stretch I sutny is one weary wretch! Look hyeah, dat boy done gone to sleep! He des ain't wo'th his boa'd an' keep; 1 des don't b'lieve he'd bat his eyes If Gab'el called him fo'm de skies! But sleepin's good dey ain't no doubt — Dis pipe o' mine is done gone out. Don't bu'n a minute, bless my soul, Des please to han' me dat ah coal. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR You 'Lias git up now, my son, Seems lak my nap is des begun; You sutny mus' ma'k down de day W'en I treats comp'ny dis away! W'y, Brother Jones, dat drowse come on, An' laws! I dremp dat you was gone! You 'Lias, whaih yo' mannahs, suh, To hyeah me call an' nevah stuh! To-morrer mo'nin' w'en I call Dat boy'll be sleepin' to beat all, Don't mek no diffunce how I roah, He'll des lay up an' sno' and sno\ Now boy, you done hyeahed whut I said, You bettah tek yo'se'f yo baid, Case ef you gits me good an' wrong I'll mek dat sno' a diffunt song. Dis wood fiah is invitin' dho', Hit seems to wa'm de ve'y flo'— An' nuffin' ain't a whit ez sweet, Ez settin' toastin' of yo' feet. Hit mek you drowsy, too, but La! Hyeah, 'Lias, don't you hyeah yo' ma? Ef I gits sta'ted f'om dis cheah I' lay, you scamp, I'll mek you heah! Xo-morrer mo'nin' I kin bawl Twell all de neighbohs hyeah me call; [» An' you'll be snoozin' des ez deep Ez if de day was made fu' sleep; Hit's funny when you got a cough Somehow yo' voice seems too fu' off — Can't wake dat boy fu' all I say, I reckon he'll sleep daih twell day! KIDNAPED I held my heart so far from harm, I let it wander far and free In mead and mart, without alarm, Assured it must come back to me. And all went well till on a day, Learned Dr. Cupid wandered by A search along our sylvan way For some peculiar butterfly. A flash of wings, a hurried dive, A flutter and a short-lived flit; This Scientist, as I am alive Had seen my heart and captured it. Right tightly now 'tis held among The specimens that he has trapped, And sings (Oh, love is ever young), 'Tis passing sweet to be kid¬ naped^ THE COMPLETE POEMS OF COMPENSATION Because I had loved so deeply, Because I had loved so long, God in His great compassion Gave me the gift of song. Because I have loved so vainly, And sung with such faltering breath, The Master in infinite mercy Offers the boon of Death. WINTER'S APPROACH De sun hit shine an' de win' hit blow, Ol' Brer Rabbit be a-layin' low, He know dat de wintah time a-comin', De huntah man he walk an' wait, He walk right by Brer Rabbit's gate — He know — De dog he lick his sliverin' chop, An' he tongue 'gin' his mouf go flop, flop — He — He rub his nose fu' to clah his scent So's to tell w'ich way dat cotton¬ tail went, He — De huntah's wife she set an' spin A good wahm coat fu' to wrop him in She — [> She look at de skillet an' she smile, oh my! An* ol' Brer Rabbit got to sholy fly. Dey know. ANCHORED If thro' the sea of night which here surrounds me, I could swim out beyond the farthest star, Break every barrier of circumstance that bounds me, And greet the Sun of sweeter life afar,' Tho' near you there is passion, grief, and sorrow, And out there rest and joy and peace and all, I should renounce that beckoning for to-morrow, I could not choose to go beyond your call. THE VETERAN Underneath the autumn sky, Haltingly, the lines go by. Ah, would steps were blithe and gay, As when first they marched away, Smile on lip and curl on brow,— Only white-faced gray-beards now, Standing on life's outer verge, E'en the marches sound a dirge. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Blow, you bugles, play, you fife, Rattle, drums, for dearest life. Let the flags wave freely so, As the marching legions go, Shout, hurrah and laugh and jest, This is memory at its best. (Did you notice at your quip, That old comrade's quivering lip?) Ah, I see them as they come, Stumbling with the rumbling drum; But a sight more sad to me E'en than these ranks could be Was that one with cane upraised Who stood by and gazed and gazed, Trembling, solemn, lips com¬ pressed, Longing to be with the rest. Did he dream of old alarms, As he stood, " presented arms " ? Did he think of field and camp And the unremitting tramp Mile on mile — the lonely guard When he kept his midnight ward? Did he dream of wounds and scars In that bitter war of wars? What of that? He stood and stands In my memory — trembling hands, Whitened beard and cane and all As if waiting for the call Once again: ''To arms, my sons," And his ears hear far-off guns, Roll of cannon and the tread Of the legions of the Dead! YESTERDAY AND TO¬ MORROW Yesterday I held your hand, Reverently I pressed it, And its gentle yieldingness From my soul I blessed it. But to-day I sit alone, Sad and sore repining; Must our gold forever know Flames for the refining? Yesterday I walked with you, Could a day be sweeter? Life was all a lyric song Set to tricksy meter. Ah, to-day is like a dirge,— Place my arms around you, Let me feel the same dear joy As when first I found you. Let me once retrace my steps, From these roads unpleasant, Let my heart and mind and soul All ignore the present. Yesterday the iron seared And to-day means sorrow. Pause, my soul, arise, arise, Look where gleams the morrow. [257I THE COMPLETE POEMS OF THE CHANGE Love used to carry a bow, you know, But now he carries a taper; It is either a length of wax aglow, Or a twist of lighted paper. I pondered a little about the scamp, And then I decided to follow His wandering journey to field and camp, Up hill, down dale or hollow. I dogged the rollicking, gay, young blade In every species of weather; Till, leading me straight to the home of a maid He left us there together. And then I saw it, oh, sweet sur¬ prise, The taper it set a-burning The love-light brimming my lady's eyes, And my heart with the fire of yearning. THE CHASE The wind told the little leaves to hurry, And chased them down the way, While the mother tree laughed loud in glee, For she thought her babes at play. The cruel wind and the rain laughed loudly, We'll bury them deep, they said, And the old tree grieves, and the little leaves Lie low, all chilled and dead. SUPPOSE If 'twere fair to suppose That your heart were not taken, That the dew from the rose Petals still were not shaken, I should pluck you, Howe'er you should thorn me and scorn me, And wear you for life as the green of the bower. If 'twere fair to suppose That that road was for va¬ grants, That the wind and the rose, Counted all in their fragrance; Oh, my dear one, By love, I should take you and make you, The green of my life from the scintillant hour. THE DEATH OF THE FIRST BORN Cover him over with daisies white And eke with the poppies red, Sit with me here by his couch to¬ night, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR For the First-Born, Love, is dead. Poor little fellow, he seemed so fair 1 As he lay in my jealous arms; Silent and cold he is lying there Stripped of his darling charms. Lusty and strong he had grown forsooth, Sweet with an infinite grace, Proud in the force of his conquer¬ ing youth, Laughter alight in his face. Oh, but the blast, it was cruel and keen, And ah, but the chill it was rare ; The look of the winter-kissed flow'r you've seen When meadows and fields were bare. Can you not wake from this white, cold sleep And speak to me once again? True that your slumber is deep, so deep, But deeper by far is my pain. Cover him over with daisies white, And eke with the poppies red, Sit with me here by his couch to¬ night, For the First-Born, Love, is dead. BEIN' BACK HOME Home agin, an' home to stay — Yes, it's nice to be away. Plenty things to do an' see, But the old place seems to me Jest about the proper thing. Mebbe 'ts 'cause the mem'ries cling Closer 'round yore place o' birth 'N ary other spot on earth. W'y it's nice jest settin' here, Lookin' out an' seein' clear, 'Thout no smoke, ner dust, ner haze In these sweet October days. What's as good as that there lane, Kind o' browned from last night's rain? 'Pears like home has got the start When the goal's a feller's heart. What's as good as that there jay Screechin' up'ards towards the gray Skies? An' tell me, what's as fine As that full-leafed pumpkin vine? Tow'rin' buildin's—'yes, they're good; But in sight o' field and wood, Then a feller understand 'Bout the house not made with han's. Let the others rant an' roam When they git away from home; Jest gi' me my old settee [259] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF An' my pipe beneath a tree; Sight o' medders green an' still, Now and then a gentle hill, Apple orchards, full o' fruit, Nigh a cider press to boot — That's the thing jest done up brown; D'want to be too nigh to town; Want to have the smells an' sights, An' the dreams o' long still nights, With the friends you used to know In the keerless long ago — Same old cronies, same old folks, Same old cider, same old jokes. Say, it's nice a-gittin' back, When yore pulse is growin' slack, An' yore breath begins to wheeze Like a fair-set valley breeze; Kind o' nice to set aroun' On the old familiar groun', Knowin' that when Death does come, That he'll find you right at home. THE OLD CABIN In de dead of night I sometimes, Git to t'inkin' of de pas' An' de days w'en slavery helt me In my mis'ry — ha'd an' fas'. Dough de time was mighty tryin', In dese houahs somehow hit seem Dat a brightah light come slippin' Thoo de kivahs of my dream. [* An' my min' fu'gits de whuppins Draps de feah o' block an' lash An' flies straight to somep'n' joy¬ ful In a secon's lightnin' flash. Den hit seems I see a vision Of a dearah long ago Of de childern tumblin' roun' me By my rough ol' cabin do'. Talk about yo' go'geous mansions An' yo' big house great an' gran', Des bring up de fines' palace Dat you know in all de lan'. But dey's somep'n' dearah to me, Somep'n' faihah to my eyes In dat cabin, less you bring me To yo' mansion in de skies. J kin see de light a-shinin' Thoo de chinks atween de logs, I kin hyeah de way-off bayin' Of my mastah's huntin' dogs, An' de neighin' of de hosses Stampin' on de ol' bahn flo', But above dese soun's de laughin' At my deah ol' cabin do'. We would gethah daih at evenin', All my frien's 'ud come erroun' An' hit wan't no time, twell, bless you, You could hyeah de banjo's soun'. You could see de dahkies dancin' Pigeon wing an' heel an' toe — PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Joyous times I tell you people Roun' dat same oF cabin do'. But at times my t'oughts gits sad- dah, Ez I riccolec' de folks, An' dey frolickin' an' talkin' Wid dey laughin' an dey jokes. An' hit hu'ts me w'en I membahs Dat I '11 nevah see no mo' Dem ah faces gethered smilin' Roun' dat po' ol' cabin do'. DESPAIR Let me close the eyes of my soul That I may not see What stands between thee and me. Let me shut the ears of my heart That I may not hear A voice that drowns yours, my dear. Let me cut the cords of my life, Of my desolate being, Since cursed is my hearing and see¬ ing. CIRCUMSTANCES ALTER CASES Tim Murphy's gon' walkin' wid Maggie O'Neill, O chone! If I was her muther, I'd frown on sich foolin', O chone! [26 I'm sure it's unmutherlike, darin' an' wrong To let a gyrul hear tell the sass an' the song Of every young felly that happens along, O chone! An' Murphy, the things that's be'n sed of his doin', O chone! 'Tis a cud that no dacent folks wants to be chewin', O chone! If he came to my door wid his cane on a twirl, Fur to thry to make love to you, Biddy, my girl, Ah, wouldn't I send him away wid a whirl, O chone! They say the gossoon is indecent and dirty, O chone! In spite of his dressin' so. O chone! Let him dress up ez foine ez a king or a queen, Let him put on more wrinkles than ever was seen, You'll be sure he's no match for my little colleen, O chone! Faith the two is comin' back an' their walk is all over, O chone! 1] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF 'Twas a pretty short walk fur to take wid a lover, O chone! Why, I believe that Tim Mur¬ phy's a kumin' this way, Ah, Biddy jest look at him steppin' so gay, I'd niver belave what the gos- sipers say, O chone! He's turned in the gate an' he's coming a-caperin', O chone! Go, Biddy, go quick an' put on a clane apern, O chone! Be quick as ye kin fur he's right at the dure; Come in, master Tim, fur ye're welcome I'm shure. We were talkin' o' ye jest a minute before. O chone! TILL THE WIND GETS RIGHT Oh the breeze is blowin' balmy An the sun is in a haze; There's a cloud jest givin' coolness To the laziest of days. There are crowds upon the lake¬ side, But the fish refuse to bite, So I'll wait and go a-fishin' When the wind gets right. Now my boat tugs at her anchor, Eager now to kiss the spray, While the little waves are callin' Drowsy sailor come away, There's a harbor for the happy, And its sheen is just in sight, But I won't set sail to get there, Till the wind gets right. That's my trouble, too, I reckon, I've been waitin' all too long, Tho' the days were always Still the wind is always wrong. An' when Gabriel blows his trum¬ pet, In the day o' in the night, I will still be found waitin', Till the wind gets right. A SUMMER NIGHT Summah is de lovin' time — Do' keer what you say. Night is alius peart an' prime, Bettah dan de day. Do de day is sweet an' good, Birds a-singin' fine, Pines a-smellin' in de wood,— But de night is mine. Rivah whisperin' "howdy do," Ez it pass you by — Moon a-lookin' down at you, Winkin' on de sly. Frogs a-croakin' f'om de pon', Singin' bass dey fill, An' you listen way beyon' Ol' man whippo'will. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Hush up, honey, tek my han', Mek yo' footsteps light; Somep'n' kin' o' hoi's de lan' On a summah night. Somep'n' dat you nevah sees An' you nevah hyeahs, But you feels it in de breeze, Somep'n' nigh to teahs. Somep'n' nigh to teahs? dat's so; But hit's nigh to smiles. An' you feels it ez you go Down de shinin' miles. Tek my han', my little dove; Hush an' come erway — Summah is de time fu' love, Night-time beats de day! AT SUNSET TIME Adown the west a golden glow Sinks burning in the sea, And all the dreams of long ago Come flooding back to me. The past has writ a story strange Upon my aching heart, But time has wrought a subtle change, My wounds have ceased to smart. No more the quick delight of youth, No more the sudden pain, I look no more for trust or truth Where greed may compass gain. What, was it I who bared my heart Through unrelenting years, And knew the sting of misery's dart, The tang of sorrow's tears? 'Tis better now, I do not weep, I do not laugh nor care; My soul and spirit half asleep Drift aimless everywhere. We float upon a sluggish stream, We ride no rapids mad, While life is all a tempered dream And every joy half sad. NIGHT Silence, and whirling worlds afar Through all encircling skies. What floods come o'er the spirit's bar, What wondrous thoughts arise. The earth, a mantle falls away, And, winged, we leave the sod; Where shines in its eternal sway The majesty of God. AT LOAFING-HOLT Since I left the city's heat For this sylvan, cool retreat, High upon the hill-side here Where the air is clean and clear, I have lost the urban ways. [263] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Mine are calm and tranquil days, Sloping lawns of green are mine, Clustered treasures of the vine; Long forgotten plants I know, Where the best wild berries grow, Where the greens and grasses sprout, When the elders blossom out. Now I am grown weather-wise With the lore of winds and skies. Mine the song whose soft refrain Is the sigh of summer rain. Seek you where the woods are cool, Would you know the shady pool Where, throughout the lazy day, Speckled beauties drowse or play? Would you find in rest or peace Sorrow's permanent release? — Leave the city, grim and gray, Come with me, ah, come away. Do you fear the winter chill, Deeps of snow upon the hill? 'Tis a mantle, kind and warm, Shielding tender shoots from harm. Do jrou dread the ice-clad streams,— They are mirrors for your dreams. Here's a rouse, when summer's past To the raging winter's blast. Let him roar and let him rout, We are armored for the bout. How the logs are glowing, see! Who sings louder, they or he? Could the city be more gay? Burn your bridges! Come away! I> WHEN A FELLER'S ITCHIN' TO BE SPANKED W'en us fellers stomp around, makin' lots o' noise, Gramma says, " There's certain times come to little boys W'en they need a shingle or the soft side of a plank;" She says " we're a-itchin' for a right good spank." An' she says, " Now thes you wait, It's a-comin'— soon or late, W'en a feller's itchin' fer a spank." W'en a feller's out o' school, you know how he feels, Gramma says we wriggle 'roun' like a lot o' eels. W'y it's like a man that's thes home from out o' jail. What's the use o' scoldin' if we pull Tray's tail? Gramma says, tho', " Thes you wait, It's a-comin'— soon or late, You'se the boys that's itchin' to be spanked." Cats is funny creatures an' I like to make 'em yowl, Gramma alwus looks at me with a awful scowl An' she says, " Young gentlemen, mamma should be thanked Ef you'd get your knickerbockers right well spanked." PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR An' she says, " Now thes you wait, It's a-comin'— soon or late," Wen a feller's itchin' to be spanked. Ef you fin' the days is gettin' awful hot in school An' you know a swimmin' place where it's nice and cool, Er you know a cat-fish hole brim- min' full o' fish, Whose a-goin' to set around school and wish? 'Tain't no use to hide your bait, It's a-comin,— soon or late, W'en a feller's itchin' to be spanked. Ol' folks know most ever'thing 'bout the world, I guess, Gramma does, we wish she knowed thes a little less, But I alwus kind o' think it 'ud be as well Ef they wouldn't alwus have to up an' tell; We kids wish 'at they'd thes wait, It's a-comin'— soon or late, W'en a feller's itchin' to be spanked. THE RIVER OF RUIN By the side of the stream, As long' as the river runs. It seems all so pleasant and cheery — No thought of the morrow is theirs, And their faces are bright With the sun of delight, And they dream of no night- brooding cares. The women wear garlanded tresses, The men have rings on their hands, And they sing in their glee, For they think they are free — They that know not the treacher¬ ous sands. Ah, but this be a venturesome jour¬ ney, Forever those sands are ashift, And a step to one side Means a grasp of the tide, And the current is fearful and swift. For once in the river of ruin, What boots it, to do or to dare, For down we must go In the turbulent flow, To the desolate sea of Despair. Along by the river of ruin They dally — the thoughtless ones, They dance and they dream [265] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF TO HER Your presence like a benison to me Wakes my sick soul to dreamful ecstasy, I fancy that some old Arabian night Saw you my houri and my heart's delight. And wandering forth beneath the passionate moon, Your love-strung zither and my soul in tune, We knew the joy, the haunting of the pain That like -a flame thrills through me now again. To-night we sit where sweet the spice winds blow, A wind the northland lacks and ne'er shall know, With clasped hands and spirits all aglow As in Arabia in the long ago. A LOVE LETTER Oh, I des received a letter f'om de sweetest little gal; Oh, my; oh, my. She's my lovely little sweetheart an' her name is Sal: Oh, my; oh, my. She writes me dat she loves me an' she loves me true, She wonders ef I'll tell huh dat I loves huh, too; An' my heaht's so full o' music dat I do' know what to do ; Oh, my; oh, my. I got a man to read it an' he read it fine; Oh, my; oh, my. Dey ain' no use denying dat her love is mine; Oh, my; oh, my. But hyeah's de t'ing dat's puttin' me in such a awful plight, I t'ink of huh at mornin' an' I dream of huh at night; But how's I gwine to cou't huh w'en I do' know how to write ? Oh, my; oh, my. My heaht is bubblin' ovah wid de t'ings I want to say; Oh, my; oh, my. An' dey's lots of folks to copy what I tell 'em fu' de pay; Oh, my; oh, my. But dey's t'ings dat I's a-t'inkin' dat is only fu' huh ears, An' I couldn't lu'n to write 'em ef I took a dozen years; So to go down daih an' tell huh is de only way, it 'pears; Oh, my; oh, my. [266] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR AFTER MANY DAYS I've always been a faithful man An' tried to live for duty, But the stringent mode of life Has somewhat lost its beauty. The story of the generous bread He sent upon the waters, Which after many days returns To trusting sons and daughters, Had oft impressed me, so I want My soul influenced by it, And bought a loaf of bread and sought A stream where I could try it. I cast my bread upon the waves And fancied then to await it; It had not floated far away When a fish came up and ate it. And if I want both fish and bread, And surely both I'm wanting, About the only way I see Is for me to go fishing. LIZA MAY Little brown face full of smiles, And a baby's guileless wiles, Liza May, Liza May. Ah, the gate is just ajar, And the meadow is not far, Liza May, Liza May. And the road feels very sweet, To your little toddling feet, Liza May. Ah, you roguish runaway, What will toiling mother say, Liza May, Liza May? What care you who smile to greet Everyone you chance to meet, Liza May? Soft the mill-race sings its song, Just a little way along, Liza May, Liza May. But the song is full of guile, Turn, ah turn, your steps the while, Liza May. You have caught the gleam and glow Where the darkling waters flow, Liza May, Liza May. Flash of ripple, bend of bough, Where are all the angels now? Liza May. Eyes a-peeping thro' the fence With an interest intense, Liza May. Now a mother's eyes intense Gazing o'er a shabby fence, Liza May, Liza May. [267] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Then a mother's anguished face Peering all around the place, Liza May. Hear the agonizing call For a mother's all in all, Liza May, Liza May. Hear a mother's maddened prayer To the calm unanswering air, Liza May. What's become of — Liza May? What has darkened all the day? Liza May, Liza May. Ask the waters dark and fleet, If they know the smiling, sweet Liza May. Call her, call her as you will, On the meadow, on the hill, Liza May, Liza May. Through the brush or beaten track Echo only gives you back, Liza May. Ah, but you were loving — sweet, On your little toddling feet, Liza May, Liza May. But through all the coming years, Must a mother breathe with tears, Liza May. THE MASTERS Oh, who is the Lord of the land of life, When hotly goes the fray? When, fierce we smile in the midst of strife Then whom shall we obey? Oh, Love is the Lord of the land of life Who holds a monarch's sway; He wends with wish of maid and wife, And him you must obey. Then who is the Lord of the land of life, At setting of the sun? Whose word shall sway when Peace is rife And all the fray is done? Then Death is the Lord of the land of life, When your hot race is run. Meet then his scythe and pruning- knife When the fray is lost or won. TROUBLE IN DE KITCHEN Dey was oncet a awful quoil 'twixt de skillet an' de pot; De pot was des a-bilin' an' de skil¬ let sho' was hot. Dey slurred each othah's colah an' dey called each othah names, [268] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR W'ile de coal-oil can des gu-gled, po'in oil erpon de flames. De pot, hit called de skillet des a flat, disfiggered t'ing, An' de skillet 'plied dat all de pot could do was set an' sing, An' he 'lowed dat dey was 'lusions dat he wouldn't stoop to mek 'Case he reckernize his juty, an' he had too much at steak. Well, at dis de pot biled ovah, case his tempah gittin' highah, An' de skillet got to sputterin', den de fat was in de fiah. Mistah fiah lay daih smokin' an' a-t'inkin' to hisse'f, Wile de peppah-box us nudgin' of de gingah on de she'f. Den dey all des lef' hit to 'im, 'bout de trouble an' de talk; An' howevah he decided, w'y dey bofe 'u'd walk de chalk; But de fiah uz so 'sgusted how dey quoil an' dey shout Dat he cooled 'em off, I reckon, w'en he puffed an' des went out. CHRISTMAS Step wid de banjo an' glide wid de fiddle, Dis ain' no time fu' to pottah an' piddle; [» Fu' Christmas is comin', it's right on de way, An' dey's houahs to dance 'fo' de break o' de day. What if de win' is taihin' an' whistlin' ? Look at dat fiah how hit's spittin' an' bristlin'! Heat in de ashes an' heat in de cindahs, Ol' mistah Fros' kin des look thoo de windahs. Heat up de toddy an' pas' de wa'm glasses, Don' stop to shivah at blowin's an' blas'es, Keep on de kittle an' keep it a- hummin', Eat all an' drink all, dey's lots mo' a-comin'. Look hyeah, Maria, don't open dat oven, Want all dese people a-pushin' an' shovin'? Res' f'om de dance? Yes, you done cotch dat odah, Mammy done cotch it, an' law! hit nigh flo'd huh; 'Possum is monst'ous fu' mekin' folks fin' it! Come, draw yo' cheers up, I's sho' I do' min' it. Eat up dem critters, you men folks an' wimmens, 'Possums ain' skace w'en dey's lots o' pu'simmons. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF ROSES AND PEARLS In days of yore, this were not wont, No loneliness my soul could daunt. Your spoken words are roses fine and sweet, For me too serious for my age, The songs you sing are perfect The weighty tome of hoary sage, pearls of sound. Until with puzzled heart astir, How lavish nature is about your One God-giv'n night, I dreamed feet, To scatter flowers and jewels both around. Blushing the stream of petal beauty flows, Softly the white strings trickle down and shine. Oh! speak to me, my love, I crave a rose. Sing me a song, for I would pearls were mine. RAIN-SONGS The rain streams down like harp- strings from the sky; The wind, that world-old harpist sitteth by; And ever as he sings his low re¬ frain, He plays upon the harp-strings of the rain. of her. I loved no woman, hardly knew More of the sex that strong men woo Than cloistered monk within his cell; But now the dream is lost, and hell Holds me her captive tight and fast Who prays and struggles for the past. No living maid has charmed my eyes, But now, my soul is wonder-wise. For I have dreamed of her and seen Her red-brown tresses' ruddy sheen, Have known her sweetness, lip to lip, The joy of her companionship. When days were bleak and winds were rude, She shared my smiling solitude, Ah, I have changed, I do not And all the bare hills walked with A LOST DREAM me know Why lonely hours affect me so. To hearken winter's melody. [270] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR And when the spring came o'er the land We fared together hand in hand Beneath the linden's leafy screen That waved above us faintly green. In summer, by the river-side, Our souls were kindred with the tide That floated onward to the sea As we swept toward Eternity. The bird's call and the water's drone Were all for us and us alone. The water-fall that sang all night Was her companion, my delight, And e'en the squirrel, as he sped. Along the branches overhead, Half kindly and half envious, Would chatter at the joy of us. 'Twas but a dream, her face, her hair, The spring-time sweet, the winter bare, The summer when the woods we ranged,— 'Twas but a dream, but all is changed. Yes, all is changed and all has fled, The dream is broken, shattered, dead. And yet, sometimes, I pray to know How just a dream could hold me so. A SONG Thou art the soul of a summer's day, Thou art the breath of the rose. But the summer is fled And the rose is dead Where are they gone, who knows, who knows? Thou art the blood of my heart o' hearts, Thou art my soul's repose, But my heart grows numb And my soul is dumb Where art thou, love, who knows, who knows? Thou art the hope of my after years — Sun for my winter snows But the years go by 'Neath a clouded sky. Where shall we meet, who knows, who knows? [271] MISCELLANEOUS THE CAPTURE Duck come switchin' 'cross de lot Hi, oh, Miss Lady! Hurry up an' hide de pot Hi, oh, Miss Lady! Duck's a mighty 'spicious fowl, Slick as snake an' wise as owl; Hoi' dat dog, don't let him yowl! Hi, oh, Miss Lady! Th'ow dat co'n out kind o' slow Hi, oh, Miss Lady! Keep yo'se'f behin' de do' Hi, oh, Miss Lady! Lots o' food'll kill his feah, Co'n is cheap but fowls is deah — " Come, good ducky, come on heah." Hi, oh, Miss Lady! Ain't he fat and ain't he fine, Hi, oh, Miss Lady! Des can't wait to make him mine. Hi, oh, Miss Lady! See him waddle when he walk, 'Sh! keep still and don't you talk! Got you! Don't you daih to squawk! Hi, oh, Miss Lady! [2 WHEN WINTER DARKEN¬ ING ALL AROUND When winter covering all the ground Hides every sign of Spring, sir. However you may look around, Pray what will then you sing, sir? The Spring was here last year I know, And many bards did flute, sir; I shall not fear a little snow Forbid me from my lute, sir. If words grow dull and rhymes grow rare, I'll sing of Spring's farewell, sir. For every season steals an air, Which has a Springtime smell, sir. But if upon the other side, With passionate longing burn¬ ing, Will seek the half unjeweled tide, And sing of Spring's returning. FROM THE PORCH AT RUNNYMEDE I stand above the city's rush and din, And gaze far down with calm and undimmed eyes, 75] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF To where the misty smoke wreath Such chances, such abilities, grey and dim Above the myriad roofs and spires rise; Still is my heart and vacant is my breath — This lovely view is breath and life to me, To see the end. was not for my poor eyes, Thine was the impulse, thine the forming thought. Ah, I have wrought, And these sad hands have right to tell their story, of death With such a sight as this I stand and see. Why I could charm the icy soul It was no hard up striving after glory, Catching and losing, gaining and failing, Raging me back at the world's raucous railing. Simply and humbly from stone and from wood, Wrought I the things that to thee might seem good. I hear no sound of labor's din or stir, I feel no weight of worldly cares or fears, Sweet song of birds, of wings the soothing whirr, These sounds alone assail my If they are little, ah God! but the listening ears. Unwhipt of conscience here I stand alone, The breezes humbly kiss my gar¬ ment's hem; I am a king — the whole world is my throne, The blue grey sky my royal diadem. cost, Who but thou knowest the all that is lost! If they are few, is the workman¬ ship true? Try them and weigh me, what- e'er be my due! EVENING EQUIPMENT The moon begins her stately ride Across the summer sky; With what thou gavest me, O The happy wavelets lash the Master, I have wrought. [276] shore,— The tide is rising high. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Beneath some friendly blade of grass The lazy beetle cowers; The coffers of the air are filled With offerings from the flow¬ ers. And slowly buzzing o'er my head A swallow wings her flight; I hear the weary plowman sing As falls the restful night. TO PFRIMMER (Lines on reading " Driftwood.") Driftwood gathered here and there Along the beach of time; Now and then a chip of truth 'Mid boards and boughs of rhyme; Driftwood gathered day by day,— The cypress and the oak,— Twigs that in some former time From sturdy home trees broke. Did this wood come floating thick All along down " Injin Crik?" Or did kind tides bring it thee From the past's receding sea Down the stream of memory? TO THE MIAMI Kiss me, Miami, thou most con¬ stant one! I love thee more for that thou changest not. [* When Winter comes with frigid blast, Or when the blithesome Spring is past And Summer's here with sun¬ shine hot, Or in sere Autumn, thou has still the pow'r To charm alike, whate'er the hour. Kiss me, Miami, with thy dewy lips; Throbs fast my heart e'en as thine own breast beats. My soul doth rise as rise thy waves, As each on each the dark shore laves And breaks in ripples and re¬ treats. There is a poem in thine every phase; Thou still has sung through all thy days. Tell me, Miami, how it was with thee When years ago Tecumseh in his prime His birch boat o'er thy waters sent, And pitched upon thy banks his tent. In that long-gone, poetic time, Did some bronze bard thy flowing stream sit by And sing thy praises, e'en as I? 77] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Did some bronze lover 'neath this dark old tree Whisper of love unto his Indian maid? And didst thou list his murmurs deep, And in thy bosom safely keep The many raging vows they said? Or didst thou tell to fish and frog and bird The raptured scenes that there occurred ? But, O dear stream, what volumes thou couldst tell To all who know thy language as I do, Of life and love and jealous hate! But now to tattle were too late,— Thou who hast ever been so true. Tell not to every passing idler here All those sweet tales that reached thine ear. But, silent stream, speak out and tell me this: I say that men and things are still the same; Were men as bold to do and dare? Were women then as true and fair ? Did poets seek celestial flame, The hero die to gain a laureled brow, And women suffer, then as now? CHRISTMAS CAROL Ring out, ye bells! All Nature swells With gladness at the wondrous story,— The world was lorn, But Christ is born To change our sadness into glory. Sing, earthlings, sing! To-night a King Hath come from heaven's high throne to bless us. The outstretched hand O'er all the land Is raised in pity to caress us. Come at his call; Be joyful all; Away .with mourning and with sadness! The heavenly choir With holy fire Their voices raise in songs of glad¬ ness. The darkness breaks And Dawn awakes, Her cheeks suffused with youthful blushes. The rocks and stones In holy tones Are singing sweeter than the thrushes. Then why should we In silence be, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR When Nature lends her voice to praises; When heaven and earth Proclaim the truth Of Him for whom that lone star blazes ? No, be not still, But with a will Strike all your harps and set them ringing; On hill and heath Let every breath Throw all its power into singing! A SUMMER PASTORAL It's hot to-day. The • bees is buzzin' Kinder don't-keer-like aroun' An' fur off the warm air dances O'er the parchin' roofs in town. In the brook the cows is standin'; Childern hidin' in the hay; Can't keep none of 'em a workin', 'Cause it's hot to-day. It's hot to-day. The sun is blazin' Like a great big ball o' fire; Seems as ef instead o' settin' It keeps mountin' higher an' higher. I'm as triflin' as the children, Though I blame them lots an' scold; I keep slippin' to the spring-house, Where the milk is rich an' cold. [» The very air within its shadder Smells o' cool an' restful things, An' a roguish little robin Sits above the place an' sings. I don't mean to be a shirkin', But I linger by the way Longer, mebbe, than is needful, 'Cause it's hot to-day. It's hot to-day. The horses stum¬ ble Half asleep across the fiel's; An' a host o' teasin' fancies O'er my burnin' senses steals,— Dreams o' cool rooms, curtains lowered, An' a sofy's temptin' look; Patter o' composin' raindrops Or the ripple of a brook. I strike a stump! That wakes me sudden; Dreams all vanish into air. Lordy! how I chew my whiskers; 'Twouldn't do fur me to swear. But I have to be so keerful 'Bout my thoughts an' what I say; Somethin' might slip out unheeded, 'Cause it's hot to-day. Git up, there, Suke! you, Sal, git over! Sakes alive! how I do sweat. Every stitch that I've got on me, Bet a cent, is wringin' wet. If this keeps up, I'll lose my tem¬ per. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Gee there, Sal, you lazy brute! Wonder who on airth this weather Could 'a' be'n got up to suit? You, Sam, go bring a tin o' water; Dash it all, don't be so slow! 'Pears as ef you tuk an hour 'Tween each step to stop an' blow. Think I want to stand a meltin' Out here in this b'ilin' sun, While you stop to think about it? Lift them feet o' your'n an' run. It ain't no use; I'm plumb fe- taggled. Come an' put this team away. I won't plow another furrer; It's too mortal hot to-day. I ain't weak, nor I ain't lazy, But I'll stand this half day's loss 'Fore I let the devil make me Lose my patience an' git cross. IN SUMMER TIME When summer time has come, and all The world is in the magic thrall Of perfumed airs that lull each sense To fits of drowsy indolence; When skies are deepest blue above, And flow'rs aflush,— then most I love To start, while early dews are damp, [* And wend my way in woodland tramp Where forests rustle, tree on tree, And sing their silent songs to me; Where pathways meet and path¬ ways part,— To walk with Nature heart by heart, Till wearied out at last I lie Where some sweet stream steals singing by A mossy bank; where violets vie In color with the summer sky,— Or take my rod and line and hook, And wander to some darkling brook, Where all day long the willows dream, And idly droop to kiss the stream, And there to loll from morn till night — Unheeding nibble, run, or bite — Just for the joy of being there And drinking in the summer air, The summer sounds, and summer sights, That set a restless mind to rights When grief and pain and raging doubt Of men and creeds have worn it out; The birds' song and the water's drone, The humming bees' low monotone, The murmur of the passing breeze, And all the sounds akin to these, That make a man in summer time PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Feel only fit for rest and rhyme. Joy springs all radiant in my breast; Though pauper poor, than king more blest, The tide beats in my soul so strong That happiness breaks forth in song, And rings aloud the welkin blue With all the songs I ever knew. O time of rapture! time of song! How swiftly glide thy days along Adown the current of the years, Above the rocks of grief and tears! 'Tis wealth enough of joy for me In summer time to simply be. A THANKSGIVING POEM The sun hath shed its kindly light, Our harvesting is gladly o'er Our fields have felt no killing blight, Our bins are filled with goodly store. From pestilence, fire, flood, and sword We have been spared by thy de¬ cree, And now with humble hearts, O Lord, We come to pay our thanks to thee. We feel that had our merits been The measure of thy gifts to us, We erring children, born of sin, Might not now be rejoicing thus. No deed of ours hath brought us grace; When thou were nigh our sight was dull, We hid in trembling from thy face, But thou, O God, wert merci¬ ful. Thy mighty hand o'er all the land Hath still been open to bestow Those blessings which our wants demand From heaven, whence all bless¬ ings flow. Thou hast, with ever watchful eye, Looked down on us with holy care, And from thy storehouse in the sky Hast scattered plenty every¬ where. Then lift we up our songs of praise To thee, O Father, good and kind; To thee we consecrate our days; Be thine the temple of each mind. With incense sweet our thanks ascend; i] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Before thy works our powers pall; Though we should strive years without end, We could not thank thee for them all. NUTTING SONG The November sun invites me, And although the chill wind smites me, I will wander to the woodland Where the laden trees await; And with loud and joyful singing I will set the forest ringing, As if I were king of Autumn, And Dame Nature were my mate,—• While the squirrel in his gambols Fearless round about me ambles, As if he were bent on showing In my kingdom he'd a share; While my warm blood leaps and dashes, And my eye with freedom flashes, As my soul drinks deep and deeper Of the magic in the air. There's a pleasure found in nut¬ ting, All life's cares and griefs outshut- ting, That is fuller far and better Than what prouder sports im¬ part. Who could help a carol trilling As he sees the baskets filling? Why, the flow of song keeps run¬ ning O'er the high walls of the heart. So when I am home returning, When the sun is lowly burning, I will once more wake the echoes With a happy song of praise,— For the golden sunlight blessing, And the breezes' soft caressing, And the precious boon of living In the sweet November days. LOVE'S PICTURES Like the blush upon the rose When the wooing south wind speaks, Kissing soft its petals, Are thy cheeks. Tender, soft, beseeching, true, Like the stars that deck the skies Through the ether sparkling, Are thine eyes. Like the song of happy birds, When the woods with spring re¬ joice, In their blithe awak'ning, Is thy voice. Like soft threads of clustered silk O'er thy face so pure and fair, Sweet in its profusion, Is thy hair. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Like a fair but fragile vase, Triumph of the carver's art, Graceful formed and slender,— Thus thou art. Ah, thy cheek, thine eyes, thy voice, And thy hair's delightful wave Make me, I'll confess it, Thy poor slave! THE OLD HOMESTEAD 'Tis an old deserted homestead On the outskirts of the town, Where the roof is all moss-cov¬ ered, And the walls are tumbling down; But around that little cottage Do my brightest mem'ries cling, For 'twas there I spent the mo¬ ments Of my youth,— life's happy spring. I remember how I used to Swing upon the old front gate, While the robin in the tree tops Sung a night song to his mate; And how later in the evening, As the beaux were wont to do, Mr. Perkins, in the parlor, Sat and sparked my sister Sue. There my mother — heaven bless her! — Kissed or spanked as was our need, And by smile or stroke implanted In our hearts fair virtue's seed; While my father, man of wisdom, Lawyer keen, and farmer stout, Argued long with neighbor Dob¬ bins How the corn crops would turn out. Then the quiltings and the dances — How my feet were wont to fly, While the moon peeped through the barn chinks From her stately place on high. Oh, those days, so sweet, so happy, Ever backward o'er me roll; Still the music of that farm life Rings an echo in my soul. Now the old place is deserted, And the walls are falling down; All who made the home life cheer¬ ful, Now have died or moved to town. But about that dear old cottage Shall my mem'ries ever cling, For 'twas there I spent the mo¬ ments Of my youth,— life's happy spring. [283] THE COMPLETE POEMS OF ON THE DEATH OF W. C. Thou arrant robber, Death! Couldst thou not find Some lesser one than he To rob of breath,— Some poorer mind Thy prey to be? His mind was like the sky,— As pure and free; His heart was broad and open As the sea. His soul shone purely through his face, And Love made him her dwelling place. Not less the scholar than the friend, Not less a friend than man; The manly life did shorter end Because so broad it ran. Weep not for him, unhappy Muse! His merits found a grander use Some other-where. God wisely sees The place that needs his qualities. Weep not for him, for when Death lowers O'er youth's ambrosia-scented bow¬ ers He only plucks the choicest flow¬ ers. AN OLD MEMORY How sweet the music sounded That summer long ago, When you were by my side, love, To list its gentle flow. I saw your eyes a-shining, I felt your rippling hair, I kissed your pearly cheek, love, And had no thought of care. And gay or sad the music, With subtle charm replete; I found in after years, love 'Twas you that made it sweet. For standing where we heard it, I hear again the strain; It wakes my heart, but thrills it With sad, mysterious pain. It pulses not so joyous As when you stood with me, And hand in hand we listened To that low melody. Oh, could the years turn back, love! Oh, could events be changed To what they were that time, love, Before we were estranged; Wert thou once more a maiden Whose smile was gold to me; Were I once more the lover Whose word was life to thee,— [284] PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR 0 God! could all be altered, The pain, the grief, the strife, And wert thou — as thou shouldst be — My true and loyal wife! But all my tears are idle, And all my wishes vain. What once you were to me, love, You may not be again. For I, alas! like others, Have missed my dearest aim. 1 asked for love. Oh, mockery! Fate comes to me with fame! A CAREER "Break me my bounds, and let me fly To regions vast of boundless sky; Nor I, like piteous Daphne, be Root-bound. Ah, no! I would be free As yon same bird that in its flight Outstrips the range of mortal sight; Free as the mountain streams that gush From bubbling springs, and down¬ ward rush Across the serrate mountain's side,— The rocks o'erwhelmed, their banks defied,— And like the passions in the soul, Swell into torrents as they roll. [» Oh, circumscribe me not by rules That serve to lead the minds of fools! But give me pow'r to work my will, And at my deeds the world shall thrill. My words shall rouse the slumb'r- ing zest That hardly stirs in manhood's breast; And as the sun feeds lesser lights, As planets have their satellites, So round about me will I bind The men who prize a master mind!" He lived a silent life alone, And laid him down when it was done; And at his head was placed a stone On which was carved a name un¬ known ! ON THE RIVER The sun is low, The waters flow, My boat is dancing to and fro. The eve is still, Yet from the hill The killdeer echoes loud and shrill. The paddles plash, The wavelets dash, We see the summer lightning flash; _ i THE COMPLETE POEMS OF While now and then, In marsh and fen Too muddy for the feet of men, Where neither bird Nor beast has stirred, The spotted bullfrog's croak is heard. The wind is high, The grasses sigh, The sluggish stream goes sobbing by. And far away The dying day Has cast its last effulgent ray; While on the land The shadows stand Proclaiming that the eve's at hand. POOR WITHERED ROSE A Song Poor withered rose, she gave it me, Half in revenge and half in glee; Its petals not so pink by half As are her lips when curled to laugh, As are her cheeks when dimples gay In merry mischief o'er them play. Chorus Forgive, forgive, it seems un¬ kind To cast thy petals to the wind; [* But it is right, and lest I err So scatter I all thought of her. Poor withered rose, so like my heart, That wilts at sorrow's cruel dart. Who hath not felt the winter's blight When every hope seemed warm and bright? Who doth not know love unre- turned, E'en when the heart most wildly burned ? Poor withered rose, thou liest dead; Too soon thy beauty's bloom hath fled. 'Tis not without a tearful ruth I watch decay thy blushing routh; And though thy life goes out in dole, Thy perfume lingers in my soul. WORN OUT You bid me hold my peace And dry my fruitless tears, Forgetting that I bear A pain beyond my years. You say that I should smile And drive the gloom away; I would, but sun and smiles Have left my life's dark day. PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR All time seems cold and void, And naught but tears remain; Life's music beats for me A melancholy strain. I used at first to hope, But hope is past and gone; And now without a ray My cheerless life drags on. Like to an ash-stained hearth When all its fires are spent; Like to an autumn wood By storm winds rudely shent,— So sadly goes my heart, Unclothed of hope and peace; It asks not joy again, But only seeks release. JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY (From a Westerner's Point of View.) No matter what you call it, Whether genius, or art, He sings the simple songs that come The closest to your heart. Fur trim an' skillful phrases, I do not keer a jot; 'Tain't the words alone, but feel- in's, That tech the tender spot. An' that's jest why I love him,— Why, he's got sech human feelin', An' in ev'ry song he gives us, you kin see it creepin', stealin', Through the core the tears go tricklin', But the edge is bright an' smiley; I never saw a poet Like that poet Whitcomb Riley. His heart keeps beatin' time with our'n In measures fast or slow; He tells us jest the same ol' things Our souls have learned to know. He paints our joys an' sorrers In a way so stric'ly true, That a body can't help knowin' That he has felt them too. If there's a lesson to be taught, He never fears to teach it, An' he puts the food so good an' low That the humblest one kin reach it. Now in our time, when poets rhyme For money, fun, or fashion, 'Tis good to hear one voice so clear That thrills with honest passion. So let the others build their songs, An' strive to polish highly,— There's none of them kin tech the heart Like our own Whitcomb Riley. A MADRIGAL Dream days of fond delight and hours As rosy-hued as dawn, are mine. THE COMPLETE POEMS OF Love's drowsy wine, Brewed from the heart of Passion flowers, Flows softly o'er my lips And save thee, all the world is in eclipse. There were no light if thou wert not; The sun would be too sad to shine, And all the line Of hours from dawn would be a blot; And Night would haunt the skies, An unlaid ghost with staring dark-ringed eyes. Oh, love, if thou wert not my love, And I perchance not thine — what then? Could gift of men Or favor of the God above, Plant aught in this bare heart Or teach this tongue the sing¬ er's soulful art? Ah, no! 'Tis love, and love alone That spurs my soul so surely on; Turns night to dawn, And thorns to roses fairest blown; And winter drear to spring — Oh, were it not for love I could not sing! [2 A STARRY NIGHT A cloud fell down from the heav¬ ens, And broke on the mountain s brow; It scattered the dusky fragments All over the vale below. The moon and the stars were anx¬ ious To know what its fate might be; So they rushed to the azure op'n- ing, And all peered down to see. A LYRIC My lady love lives far away, And oh my heart is sad by day, And ah my tears fall fast by night, What may I do in such a plight. Why, miles grow few when love is fleet, And love, you know, hath flying feet; Break off thy sighs and witness this, How poor a thing mere distance is. My love knows not I love her so, And would she scorn me, did she know? How may the tale I would impart Attract her ear and storm her heart ? PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR (Calm thou the tempest in my breast, (Who loves in silence loves the best, But bide thy time, she will awake, No night so dark but morn will break. But though my heart so strongly yearn, My lady loves me not in turn, How may I win the blest reply That my void heart shall satisfy. Love breedeth love, be thou but true, And soon thy love shall love thee, too; If Fate hath meant you heart for heart, There's naught may keep you twain apart. HOW SHALL I WOO THEE How shall I woo thee to win thee, mine own? Say in what tongue shall I tell of my love. I who was fearless so timid have grown, All that was eagle has turned into dove. The path from the meadow that leads to the bars Is more to me now than the path of the stars. How shall I woo thee to win thee, mine own, Thou who art fair and as far as the moon? Had I the strength of the torrent's wild tone, Had I the sweetness of warblers in June; The strength and the sweetness might charm and persuade, But neither have I my petition to aid. How shall I woo thee to win thee, mine own? How shall I traverse the dis¬ tance between My humble cot and your glorious throne? How shall a clown gain the ear of a queen? Oh teach me the tongue that shall please thee the best, For till I have won thee my heart may not rest. [289]