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1819–1891

“Formerly a Slave.”

Herman Melville

The sufferance of her race is shown, And retrospect of life, Which now too late deliverance dawns upon; Yet is she not at strife.

Her children's children they shall know The good withheld from her; And so her reverie takes prophetic cheer — In spirit she sees the stir

Far down the depth of thousand years, And marks the revel shine; Her dusky face is lit with sober light, Sibylline, yet benign.

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“Formerly a Slave.” · Herman Melville · Poetry Cove