Page:The complete poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar.pdf/88

 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.

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 mysteries, When it only lies a dormant thing and mirrors what it sees.

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 faltered,
 * 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 banner?
 * No! the nation shouted, No!

So when War, in savage triumph,
 * Spread abroad his funeral pall—

Then you called the colored soldiers,
 * And they answered to your call,