Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889
Amandas Inventory
By Julia Ward Howe (18191910)T
Soaring like pride, that even in heaven asks room!
This is my cloak of scarlet splendor rare,
A saucy challenge to the sunset glare.
A fairy pleasure for the summer days;
The steeds that fly, like lightnings in a leash,
With their rude Jove, subservient to my wish.
A starving artist planned the graceful moulds:
Here hang my dresses in composed array,
A rainbow with a hue for every day.
Who, with my dowry, seek myself to mate,
The haughtiest wooer wins me for his bride;
Who asks affection? Pride should wed with pride.
Pleased with my notice and a finger-end;
Yonder’s my parson, proud to share my feast;
My doctor’s there, a sycophantic beast.
With flowers well-ordered, and ambitious trees;
And this—what sudden spectre stays my breath?
Amanda, poor Amanda! this is death.