The Passing of the Ex-Slave + 

Swift melting into yesterday, + 

The tortured hordes of ebon-clay; + 

No more is heard the plaintive strain, + 

The rhythmic chaunting of their pain. + 

Their mounded bodies dimly rise + 

To fill the gulf of sacrifice, + 

And o’er their silent hearts below + 

The mantled millions softly go. + 

Some few remaining still abide, + 

Gnarled sentinels of time and tide, + 

Now mellowed by a chastened glow + 

Which lighter hearts will never know. + 

Winding into the silent way, + 

Spent with the travail of the day, + 

So royal in their humble might + 

These uncrowned Pilgrims of the Night! + 