| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 1640. Harriet Beecher Stowe |
| | | By Paul Laurence Dunbar |
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| 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 | 5 |
| 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. | 10 |
| 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. | |
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