Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By Paul LaurenceDunbar1639 A Corn-Song
O
In the purple failing light,
Sits the master while the sun is lowly burning;
And his dreamy thoughts are drowned
In the softly flowing sound
Of the corn-songs of the field-hands slow returning.
Since de ehly mo’n;
Now de sinkin’ sun
Says de day is done.
Light of heart and high of head,
Though the halting steps be labored, slow, and weary;
Still the spirits brave and strong
Find a comforter in song,
And their corn-song rises ever loud and cheery.
Since de ehly mo’n;
Now de sinkin’ sun
Says de day is done.
Comes the burden, full and sweet,
Of the mellow minor music growing clearer,
As the toilers raise the hymn,
Thro’ the silence dusk and dim,
To the cabin’s restful shelter drawing nearer.
Since de ehly mo’n;
Now de sinkin’ sun
Says de day is done.
Of the master sitting by,
As he listens to the echoes low-replying,
To the music’s fading calls,
As it faints away and falls
Into silence, deep within the cabin dying.
Since de ehly mo’n;
Now de sinkin’ sun
Says de day is done.