Helen F. Moore,
published in Century Magazine, 1896

I am a wandering, bitter shade,
Never of me was a hero made;
Poets have never sung my praise,
Nobody crowned my brow with bays;
And if you ask me the fatal cause,
I answer only, "My name was Dawes"

'TIS all very well for the children to hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere;
But why should my name be quite forgot,
Who rode as boldly and well, God wot?
Why should I ask? The reason is clear --
My name was Dawes and his Revere.

WHeN the lights from the old North Church flashed out,
Paul Revere was waiting about,
But I was already on my way.
The shadows of night fell cold and gray
As I rode, with never a break or a pause;
But what was the use, when my name was Dawes!

HISTORY rings with his silvery name;
Closed to me are the portals of fame.
Had he been Dawes and I Revere,
No one had heard of him, I fear.
No one has heard of me because
He was Revere and I was Dawes.

More About Paul Revere

Paul Revere, Lighting, Riding, Fighting and Other Thoughts: Information on Paul Revere's Ride, including the facts, the poem, and some off-site links.  ««»»

Paul Revere's Ride:   This poem, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, helped make Paul Revere's ride famous.  However, the poem does not mention Dawes or Prescott.  ««»»

This page created:
before
Wed, 16.Aug.2000

Last updated:
00:40, Tue, 01.Jan.2013