About the Author: George Moses Horton (1797?–1883?) was an African-American slave who composed poetry. He was born into slavery on William Horton’s plantation in Northampton County, NC. As a very young child, he and several family members were moved to a tobacco farm in rural Chatham County, North Carolina, when his owner relocated. Horton composed poems in his mind through his teen years.
He was allowed by his master to visit the nearby University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he recited poems to students who eagerly wrote them down and paid him for his compositions. His fame spread, and a collection of poems was published under the title The Hope of Liberty (1829). Horton was the first black southern author and the first African American poet to produce a volume in more than half a century.
A Dirge:
Deserted of her Spouse, she sat lamenting in the chamber.
Hast thou gone and left me, Void of faults but strictly true? Fly far away Without delay, Adieu, my love, adieu.
Hast thou gone and left me, Hence to seek another bride? I must be still, Thou hast thy will, The world is free and wide.
Only hadst thou told me Ere I drunk the bitter cup, I could with shame, Now bear the blame, And freely give thee up. .
But I’m left to ponder, Now in the depth of sorrow’s gloom; Like some dull sprite, In dead of night, Bewailing o’er her tomb.
Swiftly fly and welcome; It is the fate of fools to rove; With whom I know Wedlock is woe Without the stream of love.
Where constant love is wanting, Pleasure has not long to dwell; I view my fate, Alas, too late! So partner, fare thee well.
But, my love, remember, Hence we meet and face to face, Thy heart shall ache, Thy soul shall quake, The wretch of all disgrace.
