Page:The complete poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar.pdf/76


 * But for her own and my love's sake,

Her womanhood could rise to this!

My wounded heart fled swift to cover,
 * And life at times seemed very drear.

My brother proved an ardent lover—
 * What had so young a man to fear?
 * He wed Ione within the year.

No shadow clouds her tranquil brow,
 * Men speak her husband's name with pride,
 * While she sits honored at his side—

She is—she must be happy now!

I doubt the course I took no longer,
 * Since those I love seem satisfied.

The bond between them will grow stronger
 * As they go forward side by side;
 * Then will my pains be jusfiedjustified [sic].

Their joy is mine, and that is best—
 * I am not totally bereft;
 * For I have still the mem'ry left—

Love stopped with me—a Royal Guest!

no priest of crooks nor creeds, For human wants and human needs Are more to me than prophets' deeds; And human tears and human cares Affect me more than human prayers,

Go, cease your wail, lugubrious saint! You fret high Heaven with your plaint. Is this the "Christian's joy" you paint? Is this the Christian's boasted bliss? Avails your faith no more than this?

Take up your arms, come out with me, Let Heav'n alone; humanity Needs more and Heaven less from thee. With pity for mankind look 'round; Help them to rise—and Heaven is found.