How would you have us, as we are?

Since God, through Lincoln’s ready hand,Struck off our bonds and made us men.Just fifty years – a winter’s day –As runs the history of a race;Yet, as we look back o’er the way,How distant seems our starting place!Look farther back! Three centuries!To where a naked, shivering score,Snatched from their haunts across the seas,Stood, wild-eyed, on…

In place of tears, may whisper of me then,‘He sang a song that reached the hearts of men.’

Have you been sore discouraged in the fight,And even sometimes weighted by the thoughtThat those with whom and those for whom you foughtLagged far behind, or dared but faintly smite?And that the opposing forces in their mightOf blind inertia rendered as for naughtAll that throughout the long years had been wrought,And powerless each blow for…

That crept so gently to your cheekWhen first my love I dared to speak;How, in your glance, a dawning rayGave promise of love’s perfect day.When, in the ardent breath of noon,The roses with passion swoon;There steals upon me from the airThe scent that lurked within your hair;I touch your hand, I clasp your form —Again…

And bolted strong and tight;In scorn she’ll sailThe fiercest gale,And pierce the darkest night.‘The builder’s artHas proved each partThroughout her breadth and length;Deep in the hulk,Of her mighty bulk,Ten thousand Titans’ strength.’The tempest howls,The Ice Wolf prowls,The winds they shift and veer,But calm I sleep,And faith I keepIn the word of an engineer.Along the trailOf…

Mammy’s watchin’ by you all de w’ile;Daddy is a-wukin’ down in de cott’n fiel’,Wukin’ fu’ his little honey child.An’ yo’ mammy’s heart is jes a-brimmin’ full o’ lubFu’ you f’om yo’ head down to yo’ feet;Oh, no mattah w’at some othah folks may t’ink o’ you,To yo’ mammy’s heart you’s mighty sweet.You’s sweet to yo’…