FEINBERG/WHITMAN   LITERARY FILE   Prose “A Son of America Demands” (1850’s).   A. MS. draft
Box 32 Folder 13614

1888 29 July    A Song America Demands: prose. A.MS.  (1p. 10 x 16
 cms.)

Written in ink, with some of the emendations and the last line in 
pencil, on a small piece of note paper, with Traubel's notation
in upper corner (see notes July 29 1888), 72 words:

A song 
America demands [the song] that breaths her native air--an utterance 
to invigorate Democracy. (Divine Democracy, the destined conqueror,-- 
[on sweeping]-- [(]yet treacherous lip-smiles everywhere, and death and infidelity 
at every step.) Of such a song, let me, (for I have 
had that dream,) initiate here the novice's attempt,--and 
bravas to [those who, coming after me, do better.] 
the bards, who coming after me, do better far[*see notes July 29 1888*]
[*A Song*]

America demands [the song] that breaths 
her native air -- an utterance to 
invigorate-Democracy. [Divine] Democracy
the destined [on sweeping] conqueror -- (yet treacherous lip smiles
everywhere, and death and infidelity at
every step.) Of such a song, let me, (for
I have had that dream) initiate here
to novices attempt, -- and bravas to [those]
[who, coming after me, do better]
The bards, who coming after me, do better far