James Russell Lowell

James Russell Lowell was an American Romantic poet, critic, editor, and diplomat. Born on February 22, 1819, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he was a member of the Fireside Poets, a group of New England writers noted for their conservative yet popular verse. Lowell served as an ambassador to Spain and later to Great Britain. Despite his diplomatic roles, he is best remembered for his poetry and essays that reflected his abolitionist views. Lowell died on August 12, 1891, in Cambridge.

February 22, 1819

August 12, 1891

English

Courtin', The

God makes sech nights, all white an' still
    Fur 'z you can look or listen,
Moonshine an' snow on field an' hill,
    All silence an' all glisten.

Zekle crep' up quite unbeknown
    An' peeked in thru' the winder,
An' there sot Huldy all alone,
    'Ith no one nigh to hender.

A fireplace filled the room's one side
    With half a cord o' wood in,
There warn't no stoves (tell comfort died)
    To bake ye to a puddin'.

The wa'nut logs shot sparkles out
    Towards the pootiest, bless her,
An' leetle flames danced all about
    The chiny on the dresser.

Agin the chimbley crook-necks hung,
    An' in amongst 'em rusted
The ole queen's-arm that Gran'ther Young
    Fetched back f'om Concord busted.

The very room, c...

James Russell Lowell