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Vengeance Is Sweet

By Paul Laurence Dunbar

Topics: classic

When I was young I longed for Love,     And held his glory far above     All other earthly things. I cried:     "Come, Love, dear Love, with me abide;"     And with my subtlest art I wooed,     And eagerly the wight pursued.     But Love was gay and Love was shy,     He laughed at me and passed me by.     Well, I grew old and I grew gray,     When Wealth came wending down my way.     I took his golden hand with glee,     And comrades from that day were we.     Then Love came back with doleful face,     And prayed that I would give him place.     But, though his eyes with tears were dim,     I turned my back and laughed at him.

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"When I was young I longed for Love,..."

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Author:Paul Laurence Dunbar

"When I was young I longed for Love,..." by Paul Laurence Dunbar

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Paul Laurence Dunbar

About Paul Laurence Dunbar

Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906) was an American poet and novelist who was one of the first African-American writers to gain national prominence. His poems in dialect—including "When Malindy Sings"—and standard English explore Black life with humor, pathos, and dignity.

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