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Home  »  Modern American Poetry  »  Anne Rutledge

Louis Untermeyer, ed. (1885–1977). Modern American Poetry. 1919.

Edgar Lee Masters1868–1950

Anne Rutledge

OUT of me unworthy and unknown

The vibrations of deathless music;

“With malice toward none, with charity for all.”

Out of me the forgiveness of millions toward millions,

And the beneficent face of a nation

Shining with justice and truth.

I am Anne Rutledge who sleep beneath these weeds,

Beloved in life of Abraham Lincoln,

Wedded to him, not through union,

But through separation.

Bloom forever, O Republic,

From the dust of my bosom!