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1872–1906

RETORT

Paul Laurence Dunbar

“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 distress. 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!”

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RETORT · Paul Laurence Dunbar · Poetry Cove