In 1899 Dodd and Mead published Lyrics of the Hearthside, a book comprising 110 poems by Paul Laurence Dunbar. The copyright page acknowledges that some of the poems had already appeared in print in The Ladies' Home Journal, The Outlook, Century Magazine, and The Cosmpolitan Magazine. This indicates the broad appeal of Dunbar's work, both as individual poems and as collections.
To access this work in the Special Collections and Archives reading room, request Curio 821 D899ly.
She told the story, and the whole world wept At wrongs and cruelties it had not known But for this fearless woman's voice alone. She spoke to consciences that long had slept: Her message, Freedom's clear reveille, swept From heedless hovel to complacent throne. Command and prophecy were in the tone And from its sheath the sword of justice leapt. Around two peoples swelled a fiery wave, But both came forth transfigured from the flame. Blest be the hand that dared be strong to save, And blest be she who in our weakness came-- Prophet and priestess! At one stroke she gave A race to freedom and herself to fame.