Lyrics of Lowly Life
by Paul Laurence Dunbar
"Retort"
Additional Information
- Flesch–Kincaid Level 6.5
- Word Count: 91
- Year Published: 1913
- Country of Origin: United States of America
- Language: English
- Genre: Poetry
- Source: Dunbar, P.L. (1913). The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar. New York: Dodd, Mead, and Company.
- Keywords: death, hatred, injustice, jealousy, love, society
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“Thou art a fool,” said my head to my heart,
“Indeed, the greatest of fools thou art,
To be led astray by the trick of a tress,
By a smiling face or a ribbon smart;”
And my heart was in sore distress.
Then Phyllis came by, and her face was fair,
The light gleamed soft on her raven hair;
And her lips were blooming a rosy red.
Then my heart spoke out with a right bold air:
“Thou art worse than a fool, O head!”