Lyrics of Lowly Life/Retort

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

For other versions of this work, see Retort (Dunbar).

Layout 2

RETORT.

"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!"