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Photo of Paul Laurence Dunbar

Laurence Dunbar, Paul

Paul Laurence Dunbar (June 27, 1872 – February 9, 1906) was a seminal African American poet of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dunbar gained national recognition for his 1896 "Ode to Ethiopia", one poem in the collection Lyrics of Lowly Life.. African American poet novelist and playwright

Email Poem - To DanEmail Poem

To Dan

 STEP me now a bridal measure, 
Work give way to love and leisure, 
Hearts be free and hearts be gay -- 
Doctor Dan doth wed to-day.

Diagnosis, cease your squalling -- 
Check that scalpel's senseless bawling, 
Put that ugly knife away -- 
Doctor Dan doth wed to-day.

'Tis no time for things unsightly, 
Life's the day and life goes lightly; 
Science lays aside her sway-- 
Love rules Dr. Dan to-day.

Gather, gentlemen and ladies, 
For the nuptial feast now made is, 
Swing your garlands, chant your lay 
For the pair who wed to-day.

Wish them happy days and many, 
Troubles few and griefs not any, 
Lift your brimming cups and say 
God bless them who wed to-day.

Then a cup to Cupid daring, 
Who for conquest ever faring, 
With his arrows dares assail 
E'en a doctor's coat of mail.

So with blithe and happy hymning 
And with harmless goblets brimming, 
Dance a step -- musicians play -- 
Doctor Dan doth wed to-day.



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