Julia Ward Howe Poem “in Cologne Cathedral” For Sale

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Julia Ward Howe, AMS, circa 1877 (#20186)

An autograph poem signed by Julia Ward Howe; it is a working draft of her "In Cologne Cathedral"

An autograph manuscript signed "Julia Ward Howe" at the conclusion, 8” x 10”, 2p, no place, circa 1877. Corrections over several words, indicating this was a draft of the final poem and not a commemorative copy. The paper has minor stains not affecting the writing. Fine condition overall with dark ink and a bold signature.

The poem, entitled "In Cologne Cathedral", reads in full: "I felt the glories of the ancient shrine / Wrap me about with harmonies divine / The childlike faith, the earnest sacrifice, / The inspiration of the truly wise. / Here missing souls for centuries have prayed, / Here hath man's bleeding heart... made, / What throngs devout, what aspirations vast / People the dreamy regions of the Past! / But now, the splendors of the later thought / Break on my dream, deliverance dearly bought / By martyr spirits that could waste and burn / With pangs enforced, our liberties to earn. / Above the mass-bell the clear sentence rings, / Above the incense soar the angel's wings / And for the mystic sentence hid in light, / I see uprise the prophet's brow of might / Chiding us human children from our toys, / Meeting our tasks out with unflinching voice / Oh! Holy Past - oh Future, dear to me; / I stand between in God's eternity."

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This item has been shown 3 times. Julia Ward Howe Poem “in Cologne Cathedral”: $2,500